Eye trauma in the workplace: about 110 cases.

AIM: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of occupational ocular trauma in order to determine prognostic factors of these eye accidents. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 110 patients who were victims of occupational accidents that caused eye trauma. They were treated in Department A, Hédi Rais Ophthalmology Institute in Tunis, between March 2018 and March 2019. We collected information from the patients' files according to a standard form. The data collected were: patient demographics, circumstances of the accident, consultation time, clinical examination data and temporary disability. The data were entered and statistically analysed using SPSS 20.0 software. We used the "t-student" and the "chi-deux" as statistical tests. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: We collected 120 eyes from 110 patients. The average age was 37 years with a male predominance. Almost half of the patients (45.4%) were construction workers.  In 34% of the cases, a metal object was responsible for the trauma. Projection of superficial foreign bodies was noted in 44.3% of cases and contusion in 34% of cases. The average visual acuity of the traumatised eye was 8/10 and depended on the nature of the trauma.  Palpebral ecchymosis (30.9%) and conjunctival hyperhaemia (48.5%) were the most common bio microscopic signs found. Eight cases of corneal wounds were noted, three cases of corneo-scleral wounds associated in 2 cases with an intra-ocular foreign body as well as three cases of bursting of the globe were noted. The risk factors of poor prognosis found were: male sex (p=0.042), the mechanism of the trauma: projection of a foreign body (p=0.0052) and the following occupations: bricklayer, mechanic and construction worker (p<0.0001). The average temporary disability caused by eye trauma was 5 days with a standard deviation of 6 days. CONCLUSION: Our study described the severity of eye injuries related to work-related accidents. The most important prognostic factors will be the male gender, the mechanism of the trauma and the occupation. These traumas represent a major public health problem. Prevention is the only way to improve the final prognosis.

From an urologist view: are we safe with endoscopic surgery? Overview of ergonomic problems encountered by the urologist during video endoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The importance of minimally invasive surgery in urology has constantly increased in the last 20 years. Endoscopic resection of prostate and bladder tumors is actually a gold standard with many advantages for patients. AIM: To analyze the problems related to the ergonomic conditions faced by urologist during video endoscopic surgery by review of the recent literature. METHODS: All evidence-based experimental ergonomic studies conducted in the fields of urology endoscopic surgery and applied ergonomics for other professions working with a display were identified by PubMed searches. Data from ergonomic studies were evaluated in terms of efficiency as well as comfort and safety aspects. Constraint postures for urologists are described and ergonomic requirements for optimal positions are discussed. RESULTS: The ergonomics of urological endoscopic surgery place urologists at risk for potential injury. The amount of neck flexion or extension, the amount of shoulder girdle adduction or abduction used, and stability of the upper extremities during surgery; which are maintained in a prolonged static posture; are the main risk factors. All these constraints may lead to muscle and joint fatigue, pain, and eventual musculoskeletal injury. Moreover, these issues may impact surgical accuracy. CONCLUSION: Urologist posture, operating period, training are important ergonomic factor during video surgery to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

[Return to work after acute myocardial infarction]. / Reprise du travail apres infarctus du myocarde.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to study the professional repercussions of acute myocardial infarction and to analysis medical, social and occupational factors which could influence return to work. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study concerns 70 patients less than 66 years old, working before their hospitalization and having been admitted for acute myocardial infarction between January 1-st, 1999 and December 31, 2000 in the Department of Cardiac Resuscitation of hospital La Rabta of Tunis. Data were collected from retrospective review of folders and answers to a questionnaire for which the patients have been summoned in 2002. RESULTS: There were 70 patients almost exclusively men (n=69). The mean age was 49.0 +/- 6.8 years. The mean follow-up was 27.2 +/- 7.7 months. Sixty one patients (87.1%) have initially been back to work and eight of them lost it secondarily. The average delay of return to work has been 91+/- 111 days. The direct repercussions of myocardial infarction on the professional capacities was observed at the majority of patients. CONCLUSION: Despite an important professional repercussions of acute myocardial infarction, our study showed a high rate of return to work with relatively short delays.