A newly designed ergonomic body support for surgeons

Abstract

Background: One of the main ergonomic problems during surgical procedures is the surgeonÕs awkward body posture, often accompanied by repetitive movements of the upper extremities, increased muscle activity, and prolonged static head and back postures. In addition, surgeons perform surgery so concentrated that they tend to neglect their posture. These observations suggest the advantage of supporting the surgeonÕs body during surgical procedures. This study aimed to design a body support and to test its potential. Methods: The optimum working condition for a surgeon is a compromise between the spine and arm positions and the level of effort and fatigue experienced performing a procedure. The design vision of the Medisign group has led to the development of an ergonomic body support for surgeons that is suitable for use during both open and minimally invasive procedures. The feasibility of the newly designed ergonomic body support was assessed during seven surgical procedures. Electromyography (EMG) was performed for back and leg muscles using the body support in an experimental setting. Results: Six of seven participating surgeons indicated that the body support was comfortable, safe, and simple to use. The EMG results show that supporting the body is effective in reducing muscle activity. The average reduction using chest support was 44% for the erector spinae muscle, 20% for the semitendinosus muscle, and 74% for the gastrocnemius muscle. The average muscle reduction using semistanding support was 5% for the erector spinae, 12% for the semitendinosus muscle, and for 50% for the gastrocnemius muscle. Conclusion:The results of this study imply that supporting the body is an effective way to reduce muscle activity, which over the long term may reduce physical problems and discomfort. Additionally, the product supports the surgeon in his natural posture during both open and minimally invasive procedures and can easily be adapted to the current layout of the operating theater.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey

“…Improvements can include using body support, taking stretch breaks, using the microscope rather than surgical loops (more neutral neck position) and using power to insert long screws, to name a few. 1,12,16 More research is required to identify methods of improving the surgical setting and their effectiveness.…”

The effect of kinesiotape application on functional performance in surgeons who have musculo-skeletal pain after performing surgery

“…Surgeons' awkward body posture, increased muscle activity, repetitive movements of the upper extremities, and prolonged static head and back postures during surgical procedures are main problems, which cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders (1). Because of the position of the patient during open surgery, surgeons tend to lean forward and this results in increased extensor muscle activity to balance the body.…”

Spine surgeon’s kinematics during discectomy according to operating table height and the methods to visualize the surgical field

“…In contrast to open surgery, during laparoscopic surgery surgeons usually use much longer instruments [7,8] and tend to complain of musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue of the lower back, neck, and shoulder because of the maintenance of a prolonged static posture and continuous isometric muscle contraction, which reduce muscle perfusion and cause muscle fatigue and pain [1,9,10]. Many studies have been conducted on the ergonomics of laparoscopic surgery, and the subject of ergonomics has been considered by surgeons in many fields [2,3,5,[11][12][13][14]. Previous studies have usually focused on leg fatigue, a large working area, extreme movements of the upper limbs and wrists, and stiffness of the neck [1,2,10,15].…”

“…Due to patient positions, surgeons tend to lean forward toward or even over the surgical field to see and manipulate tissues, and this results in increased muscle activity to balance the upper body [5]. Furthermore, maintaining an awkward body position for longer periods of time results in musculoskeletal fatigue and physical complaints [5].…”

“…Due to patient positions, surgeons tend to lean forward toward or even over the surgical field to see and manipulate tissues, and this results in increased muscle activity to balance the upper body [5]. Furthermore, maintaining an awkward body position for longer periods of time results in musculoskeletal fatigue and physical complaints [5]. To maintain proper balance during surgery, the body requires continuous active control and because two-thirds of body mass is located in the upper two-thirds of the body, not surprisingly, the human body has been described as an unstable balanced system [2].…”