Rectal Palpation Associated Cumulative Trauma Disorders and Acute Traumatic Injury Affecting Bovine Practitioners

Abstract

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence, time of onset and anatomical location of musculoskeletal injuries among bovine practitioners. The survey response rate was low and respondents had significantly more years in practice than the sampled population. Musculoskeletal injuries were reported by seventy-one percent of respondents. Palpation associated acute traumatic injury was reported by thirty percent of respondents. The anatomical locations most frequently affected, in descending order, were the shoulder, elbow, wrist, neck, knee and hip. Current palpation level of activity was not associated with the presence of symptoms. Symptoms were reported significantly more frequently on the same side of the body as the arm used to perform rectal palpation.