Occupational Injury in Plastic Surgeons

Abstract

Self-reported injury is more prevalent in surgery than in previously described, labor-intensive populations. Sampled surgeons appear younger than the general surgery workforce, and as a result, this study may underestimate the prevalence of occupational injury, particularly carpal tunnel syndrome. This study underscores the need for a formal, multicenter assessment of occupational injury in surgeons.

Effect of alternative video displays on postures, perceived effort, and performance during microsurgery skill tasks

“…Additional analysis was conducted on the neck, back, and shoulder postures, areas with high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and disorders among surgeons who used optical magnification (Capone et al 2010; Sivak-Callcott et al 2011; Statham et al 2010). Postural shifts in the included neck angle (Table 1) were 3.22 times more frequent (p<0.05) on the Video3D than Micro3D (Table 2).…”

“…Work-related musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and discomfort can affect both the comfort of surgeons and their ability to complete surgical tasks; yet, the reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, back, and shoulders is as high as 87% among surveyed laparoscopic, ophthalmic, and general surgeons (Davis et al 2014; Capone et al 2010; Park et al 2010; Sivak-Callcott et al 2011; Szeto et al 2009; Wauben et al 2006). Furthermore, a survey of 130 ophthalmic surgeons who frequently used magnification, e.g., loupes and microscopes, showed that 9.2% of surgeons stopped operating due to neck pain (Sivak-Callcott et al 2011).…”

“…Another study rated postures of laryngologists performing microsurgery on an operating microscope and measured rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) scores of 4–5, indicating poor posture and potential risk for injuries (McAtamney & Corlett 1993; Statham et al 2010). Posture constraints were postulated to be responsible for the significant association observed between microscope use greater than three hours per week and the prevalence of cervical and thoracic pain reported among 339 surveyed plastic surgeons (Capone et al 2010). …”

Heads-up 3D Microscopy: An Ergonomic and Educational Approach to Microsurgery

“…1–3 As a result, chronic poor posture and musculoskeletal strain can lead to increased rates of disability and reduced surgical longevity. 2–4 …”

A Novel Combination Point-of-View (POV) Action Camera Recording to Capture the Surgical Field and Instrument Ergonomics in Oculoplastic Surgery

“…In addition, the weight of the system limits the duration of filming as it may induce surgeon neck strain. [3][4][5][6] This is particularly true during cases where the surgeon will be wearing magnifying loupes, head-mounted lighting sources, or both. The recording system would also benefit from a different lens with greater magnification.…”