Operation-related Musculoskeletal Injuries among United States Surgeons: A Gender-stratified National Survey

Abstract

Background: Operation-related musculoskeletal injury (ORMI) among surgeons is a well-described phenomenon. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported ORMI among surgeons of various subspecialties and preliminarily investigate the role of gender. Methods: An anonymous survey, querying information pertinent to ORMIs, was distributed online through the American College of Surgeons community membership forum. Nonparametric univariate analysis and a multivariate regression model were conducted. A P value of 0.05 determined significance. Results: A total of 624 male and female surgeons responded to the survey, with 50.8% reporting having an injury related to operating. Among the entire cohort, the prevalence of ORMI was significantly higher among female surgeons than male surgeons (P = 0.01), although there was no significant difference among the genders in ORMI prevalence when stratifying by age group (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: Female surgeons are more likely to report an ORMI, although the impact of confounding variables such as age, operative case volume, and surgical subspecialty remain to be fully elucidated.

Female Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A National Survey Study

“…In a survey of American College of Surgeons members, a higher rate of occupational-related musculoskeletal injuries was found among female versus male surgeons. 10 Similarly, among general surgeons, women were found to have a 5-fold odds of physical complaints when using laparoscopic devices, findings which were replicated in orthopedic surgeons. [17][18][19] In otolaryngology, an ergonomically high-risk field, no prior work had specifically examined the surgical ergonomic hazards experienced by females.…”

“…While all body sizes present unique ergonomic challenges, recent studies have shown higher rates of ergonomic difficulties and work-related musculoskeletal pain in women. 4,[10][11][12] Challenges with ergonomics and concerns about the physical demands of surgical fields have been shown to affect surgeon recruitment, a finding which likely extends to surgeon retainment and advancement as well. 13 Given this, attention to the ergonomics of female otolaryngologists is important for continued female otolaryngologist recruitment and advancement.…”

The Current State of Plastic Surgery Residency Wellness Programs: Benefits and Barriers

“…26 A majority of surgeons report exercise alleviates this pain and discomfort. 36 It is uncertain how much provided athletic resources can improve posture and strength or whether residents have sufficient time for consistent exercise. As well, these resources are insufficient to treat musculoskeletal injury once it has occurred.…”

“…Physical health is an emerging concern of resident wellness, as upwards of 60% of plastic surgeons report experiencing procedural-related musculoskeletal injury. 36,37 Alarmingly, up to 97% have reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain during training. 26 A majority of surgeons report exercise alleviates this pain and discomfort.…”

Shoulder Pain and Disability Scores and the Factors Influencing Them among Orthopedic Surgeons Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Orthopedic surgeons' rate of shoulder dysfunction might differ due to various factors, such as age, surgical specialization, volume and type of procedures performed, and ergonomic practices [1]. Due to the physically demanding nature of their profession, which frequently entails long hours of standing, wearing heavy lead aprons during fluoroscopy, and performing repeated activities in uncomfortable postures, orthopedic surgeons are susceptible to acquiring musculoskeletal issues, including shoulder discomfort [2].…”