Motion analysis in the field of dentistry: a kinematic comparison of dentists and orthodontists

Abstract

ObjectivesTo conduct a kinematic comparison of occupational posture in orthodontists and dentists in their workplace.DesignObservational study.SettingDentist surgeries and departments of orthodontics at university medical centres in Germany.ParticipantsA representative sample of 21 (10 female, 11 male) dentists (group G1) and 21 (13 female, 8 male) orthodontists (G2) with one male dropout in G2.Outcome measuresThe CUELA (computer-assisted acquisition and long-term analysis of musculoskeletal loads) system was used to analyse occupational posture. Parallel to the recording through the CUELA system, a software-supported analysis of the activities performed (I: treatment; II: office; III: other activities) was carried out. In line with ergonomic standards the measured body angles are categorised into neutral, moderate and awkward postures. Activities between the aforementioned groups are compared using the stratified van Elteren U test and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney U test. All p values are subject to the Bonferroni–Holm correction. The level of significance is set at 5%.ResultsThe percentage of time spent on activities in categories I–II–III was as follows: dentists 41%–23%–36% and orthodontists 28%–37%–35%. The posture analysis of both groups showed, for all percentiles (P5–95), angle values primarily in the neutral or moderate range. However, depending on the activity performed, between 5% and 25% of working hours were spent in unfavourable postures, especially in the head-and-neck area. Orthodontists have a greater tendency than dentists to perform treatment activities with the head and torso in unfavourable positions. The statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to the duration and the relevance of the activities performed confirm this assumption for all three categories (p<0.01, p<0.05).ConclusionsGenerally, both groups perform treatment activities in postures that are in the neutral or medium range; however, dentists had slightly more unfavourable postures during treatment for a greater share of their work day.

The role of ergonomic saddle seats and magnification loupes in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. A systematic review

“…An example of kinematic analysis is the CUELA (computer‐assisted acquisition and long‐term analysis of musculoskeletal loads) system . The CUELA system uses sensors to record and analyse body postures and it has been used in dental studies to measure the posture of dentists during their normal working day . In addition, a physical examination of the participants by a blinded registered physiotherapist, as done by Hayes et al to assess the extent and severity of any musculoskeletal disabilities and disorders will complement the reporting of these studies .…”

Musculoskeletal disorders and related factors in the Colombian orthodontists’ practice

“…Even though the studies documenting MSDs in dental professionals show high levels of incidence and prevalence, they do not differentiate between general dentists and specialists [3,11,12], and it must be recognized that the demands on the musculoskeletal system can vary according to the practice [13,14]. For example, general dentists have a greater tendency to flex their bodies to improve visibility, but orthodontists might not use those kinds of positions; their physical efforts are localized in the wrists from the constant and repetitive use of tweezers [13][14][15].…”

Restricted posture in dentistry – a kinematic analysis of orthodontists

“…Thereby, more than 50% of muscles are required to hold a motionless position, which results in fatigue and, with frequent repetition, also in pain. In our opinion, the conclusion of Valachi et al [28]- is also valid for both, dentists and orthodontists, as their positions during treatment are similar [34]. …”

“…Although, orthodontists handle more office work than dentists (ORTHO: treatment 34% vs. office 33%; DDS: 41% vs. 23%), which renders a large share of their treatment theoretical work (model analysis and concise planning of treatment process), they nonetheless execute many activities in anterior inclined and static postures [34]. As a result, orthodontists carry a greater risk of developing work related musculoskeletal disorders due to excessive static stress.…”

“…Although, the routine of orthodontists differs greatly from the routine of dentists, only a few studies have been conducted to date to measure occupational posture in orthodontists [ 34 ]. Therefore, our objective is to study the orthodontic workday through kinematic analysis following the RULA method.…”