[Radiographical changes in the elbow joints of chainsaw operators].

The purpose of this study is to clarify the relation between the labor history of chainsaw operators and changes in their elbow joints. Osteophytic and degenerative changes on X-ray films of the elbow joints were compared quantitatively between chainsaw operators and a control group of age-matched road maintenance workers. Subjects were divided into three groups according to length of chainsaw use. Although no statistically significant differences were found among the three groups, radiographical examination showed significant changes (p less than 0.05) in the subjects as compared with the controls. Because of other labor factors that were not considered, the existence of a dose-response relationship between elbow damage and length of chainsaw use cannot be confirmed from this study, but such a relationship is suggested.