Abstract:

Background: Supraspinatus tendon rupture is a commonly occurring musculoskeletal disorder among Manual Workers resulting in Declines in Work Productivity and Quality of Life. There is limited Epidemiological Evidence on the prevalence of Supraspinatus Tendon Ruptures among Manual Workers in Iraq. We aimed to evaluate the Prevalence of Supraspinatus Tendon Ruptures among Manual Workers in Iraq and to Explore the associated Risk Factors with this type of Injury.

Methods: To evaluate the Prevalence of Supraspinatus Tendon Ruptures among Manual Workers in Iraq, we performed a Cross-Sectional Study at a Private Hospital in Baghdad during the time frame of January 2022 through December 2023. Cross-Sectional Study Participants that presented with Clinical Shoulder complaints between the ages of 18-65 years were interviewed and clinically examined, including MRI evaluation, to evaluate for Supraspinatus Tendon Rupture(s). Participant Demographics, Work Experience, Relevant Symptoms, and Radiographic Findings were collected. A Statistical Analysis of the Data was performed using SPSS version 26.

Results: During our Screening of 524 Manual Workers, we found that 187 (35.7%; 95% CI: 31.6-40.1%) had confirmed Supraspinatus Tendon Ruptures. The mean age of the Participants was 48.3 ± 8.7 years and predominantly Male (78.6%). There were Three Primary Identified Predictors of Rupture; i.e., Repetitive Overhead Activities, Age > 45 Years, and > 20 Years of Occupational Experience. Construction Workers (42.1%) represented a larger group than Manual Workers in Other Occupational Categories.

Conclusions: Supraspinatus Tendon Ruptures are common among Manual Workers in Iraq. Age, Length of Employment, and the Type of Work Activity are all significant Risk Factors associated with this type of Injury. The findings of this study support the need for Health Promotion Programs and Early Identification of Supraspinatus Tendon Retrival Injury among Manual Workers who are at Increased Risk.