P-616 Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Limb Recognized by Regional Recognition Committee of Tunis, in Tunisia

Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (MSD-UL) are a major occupational health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the socioprofessional, clinical and para-clinical characteristics of recognized MSD-UL and to identify the occupational risk factors. Methods This is a cross-sectionaland retrospective study based on all MSD-UL reporting records and recognized as occupational disease by the National Health Insurance Fund of Tunis during 2005 to 2015. Results we were collected 440 records of MSD-UL recognized as occupational disease.The mean frequency over the 11 years was 40 cases/year. The average age was 43.13 witha sex ratio of 0.12. The supplying sectors of MSD-UL were textile industry (39.8%) and the electronics industry (16.4%). The study of the workplace revealed the presence of repetitive movements (95.45%) and static movements (87.27%). Psychosocial risk factors were the high job accuracy (70.9%) and the high concentration at the workplace (69.3%). The were71.82% hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) especially the carpal tunnel syndrome (CST). The shoulder tendinopathy was associated to sex (p=0.005) and to professional seniority (p=0.002). Absenteeism was noted among 62.7% of our patients. Discussion MSD-ULoccupy the first rank of occupational diseases (OD) declared and recognized by the National Health Insurance Fund in Tunisia.Due of their socio-economic impact, MSD remains a major concern of the occupational physician. Conclusion It is essential to target the sectors most affected and put in place an ergonomic and organizational prevention strategy in order to reduce this scourge.