Question

A construction worker came to the OPD complaining of white fingers. He has been working in the cement and concrete industry and has been working on heavy machinery drills, wood, and furniture polishing for 20 years. What is the most likely etiology for this condition?

• A. Candidal infection of the fingers due to continuous exposure to water
• B. Exposure to thinners and paints
• C. Continuous exposure to cement and concrete
• D. Continuous exposure to drills and machines

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The scenario described involves a construction worker with "white fingers." This condition is most commonly associated with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which is a result of prolonged exposure to vibrating tools such as drills and machines.

Explanation:

• White fingers, part of the HAVS, resembles Raynaud's phenomenon, characterized by blanching of the fingers due to the reduction of blood flow triggered by vibrations.
• The construction worker’s exposure to heavy machinery over 20 years suggests chronic vibration exposure, a known cause of this condition.
• Other options like exposure to thinners, paints, cement, concrete, and water lead to different conditions, not typically related to the described symptom of white fingers.

Conclusion: The most likely etiology for the condition experienced by the worker (white fingers) is continuous exposure to drills and machines due to the development of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.