Occupational elbow musculoskeletal disorders in Tunisia: Epidemiology and socio-professional consequences.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are as the primary occupational disease (OD) in Tunisia. They can touch the elbow and cause occupational disability.

Aims: Describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of elbow MSDs recognized in Tunisia, identify the factors associated with these MSDs and assess their socio-professional impact.

Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of elbow MSDs recognized as compensable OD by the Committees for the Recognition of Occupational Diseases of National Health Insurance Fund, in Tunisia, from 2012 to 2018.

Results: We collected 431 cases of elbow MSDs or 8.35% of all recognized MSDs and 11.8% of recognized MSDs during the same period. The average annual incidence was 4.3 cases. Patients had a mean age of 43.59 years and a clear female predominance (82.2%). The largest provider was the textile industry (60.6%). The average length of employment was 16.78 years. Biomechanical factors were repetitive movements (92.8%), forced movements (67.1%) and prolonged static posture (7.4%). These were lateral epicondylitis (79.1%), medial epicondylitis (14.2%) and ulnar nerve syndrome (10.7%). These pathologies were associated with other MSDs including carpal tunnel syndrome (25.8%). These MSDs were responsible for 15,342 days of lost work. The rate of permanent partial incapacity was 10.6% with a job loss in 15.63%.

Conclusion: Elbow MSDs are responsible for heavy economic and socio-professional consequences justifying the implementation of a preventive strategy adapted within risk sectors.