Research Plus

Can hernia be work related?

There is insufficient current evidence of a causal link between specific mechanical exposures at work and increased risk of inguinal hernia (IH), according to this systematic review. Eleven of 23 included papers (three cross-sectional, four case–control, one prospective cohort, three case series) incorporated information on risk of IH in relation to occupation or mechanical exposure at work. Increased risk was reported in six studies, but methodological quality was poor. The case series looked at sudden-onset hernias: while patients tend to attribute their hernia to specific single strenuous events, there is insufficient evidence of a link. There is inconsistent evidence linking occupational exposure to increased risk of post-operative recurrence.

 

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 2012; online first: doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3305  http://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3305

Tags evidence based practice manual handling

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2012 (vol. 09/2) pp39