Occupational musculoskeletal pain amongst ENT surgeons – are we looking at the tip of an iceberg?

Vijendren, Ananth; Yung, Matthew; Sánchez, José Arnau; Duffield, Katherine

doi:10.1017/s0022215116001006

Cited by 58 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…First, this study had a small sample size and was from a single institution, which may limit its generalizability. However, we had an excellent response rate of 68.6%, which compares very favorably to the literature . Additionally, assessment of the REBA score can be subjective, as most postural positions are scored based on both an angular and a time factor.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 68%

“…In our cohort, the standing position was significantly associated with cervical pain ( P = .034). Several other surveys of otolaryngology surgeons reported on neck pain as being most common MSK strain area during the surgery . Secondly, standing for extended periods of time (>30 minutes) almost always elevated the REBA risk score into the high‐risk category.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…A 2016 survey of 377 otolaryngology surgeons in North America found that 63.9% reported work‐related MSK symptoms . A similar picture was seen among the 323 otolaryngology surgeons surveyed in the United Kingdom, with 47% reporting MSK disorders . Of those, 85% sought treatment, 23% required time off from work, and 2% retired early.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

“…1 A similar picture was seen among the 323 otolaryngology surgeons surveyed in the United Kingdom, with 47% reporting MSK disorders. 8 Of those, 85% sought treatment, 23% required time off from work, and 2% retired early. Another study of 126 Canadian otolaryngologists found 97% experiencing some MSK symptoms, and 74% attributed the symptoms directly to work.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ergonomic hazards in otolaryngology

et al. 2018

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Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate the presence of postural‐related strain and musculoskeletal discomfort, along with the level of ergonomics training and the availability of ergonomic equipment among otolaryngology surgeons. Study Design Intraoperative observations and survey study. Methods Using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment score system to identify ergonomic hazards, we conducted intraoperative observations assessing operating room personnel during different otolaryngological subspecialty procedures. Based on these findings, otolaryngology surgeons at a single academic institution in the United States were sent a survey that evaluated ergonomic practice, environmental infrastructure, and prior ergonomic training or education. Results A response rate of 69% was obtained from 70 surgeons, with 72.9% of responding surgeons suffering from some level of back pain, with cervical spine pain being the most common. Interestingly, residents were equally affected when compared to more senior surgeons both in subjective survey reports and from observational risk analysis. Furthermore, 43.8% of surgeons reported suffering from the highest level of pain when standing, whereas only 12.5% experienced pain when sitting. Importantly, 10% stated that pain impacted their work. Only 24% of surgeons had any prior ergonomic training or education. Conclusions Our data suggest that pain and disability induced by poor ergonomics are widespread among the otolaryngology community and confirm that surgeons rarely receive ergonomic training in the surgical context. Additionally, intraoperative observational findings identified that the majority of observed surgeons display poor posture, particularly a poor cervical angle and use of ergonomic setups, both of which increase ergonomic risk hazard. These data provide guidance for future interventional studies. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 129:370–376, 2019

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 68%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ergonomic hazards in otolaryngology

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“…11 This has implications for us all, and for the designers of equipment and operating theatre and clinic layouts, as the ergonomics of most ENT clinics leave a great deal to be desired.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Glue ear in adults, paediatric sleep apnoea and the nose in exercise

Fisher¹,

Youngs²,

Hussain³

et al. 2016

J. Laryngol. Otol.

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Occupational Reproductive Hazards for Female Surgeons in the Operating Room

Anderson

Goldman

2020

JAMA Surg

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emale surgeons have been found to have high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes and infertility. [1][2][3] A survey of 1021 US female surgeons across different specialties found an overall pregnancy complication rate of 35.3%, compared with 14.5% in the general population. 3 Other studies support this finding, with a complication rate of 25.3% identified in a survey of 163 female urologists. 2 High infertility rates in surgeons have also been described. 1,3,4 A total of 32% of respondents to the 2012 survey reported difficulty with fertility compared with 10.9% of the general population. 3 These findings are increasingly significant with female representation in the surgical workforce rising. In the United Kingdom, women now compose 11.1% of consultant surgeons compared with 3% in 1991. 5 In the United States, 20.6% of general surgeons are women compared with 13.6% 10 years ago. 6,7 Female surgeons are having children at an older age: average age at delivery of their first child reported in the 2012 survey was 33 years, compared with 26 years in the general population. 3,8 Advancing maternal age is a risk factor for infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the extent of the role of age in complication rates in surgeons is difficult to determine. Although older than the comparison population, the female surgeons' average age at first delivery is younger than 35 years, which is traditionally considered the cutoff for advanced maternal age. 9 The association of occupational reproductive hazards with infertility and pregnancy complications in this population has not been adequately explored or defined. Operating room reproductive hazards are summarized in Table 1. Observations RadiationExposure to radiation in the operating room occurs via use of radioactive tracers and imaging techniques that aid surgical procedures. The use of intraoperative radiation is increasing, including development of hybrid operating rooms, which use fixed imaging, such as C-arms and computed tomography. 10 Many specialty surgeons also work and train in an angiography suite; currently, 50% to 75% of all vascular interventions require radiation. 11 IMPORTANCE Higher rates of infertility and pregnancy complications have been found for female surgeons compared with the general population. Several reproductive hazards are present in the operating room and may be associated with these findings. Hazards should be identified and controlled to minimize risks.OBSERVATIONS Studies comparing surgeons with the general population show increased rates of infertility and pregnancy complications, including conditions affecting both mother and fetus, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, growth restriction, and congenital abnormalities. Attention has focused on older age and demanding working conditions of pregnant surgeons; however, there are reproductive hazards present in the operating room that might also be contributing. Relevant hazards include radiation, surgical smoke, working conditions, sharps injury, anesthetic gases, and intraope...

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Occupational musculoskeletal pain amongst ENT surgeons – are we looking at the tip of an iceberg?

Abstract: Despite the scarcity of studies, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common amongst ENT surgeons in the UK. Such disparity highlights the need for more research and appropriate ergonomic intervention within the specialty.

Cited by 58 publications

References 15 publications

Ergonomic hazards in otolaryngology

Ergonomic hazards in otolaryngology

Glue ear in adults, paediatric sleep apnoea and the nose in exercise

Occupational Reproductive Hazards for Female Surgeons in the Operating Room

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