Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Ergonomics Among Plastic Surgery Residents

Abstract

Background Musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries among surgeons are underestimated but are increasingly recognized to constitute a major problem. However, it has not been established when symptoms start and what factors contribute to the development of symptoms. Methods A 19-question survey approved by our institution's review board, and American Council of Academic Plastic Surgery was sent to all plastic surgery residents enrolled in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited plastic surgery training programs in the United States. The presence of various musculoskeletal symptoms was calculated, and predictors of these symptoms were evaluated. Results We received 104 total responses. Ninety-four percent of residents had experienced musculoskeletal pain in the operating room. The neck was the most commonly affected area (54%) followed by the back (32%) and extremities (12%). Interestingly, 52% of responders developed these symptoms during the first 2 years of their residency. Furthermore, increasing postgraduate year level (P = 0.3) and independent versus integrated status (P = 0.6) had no correlation with pain, suggesting that symptoms began early in training. Pain symptoms were frequent for 47%, whereas 5% reported experiencing symptoms during every case. The use of a headlight correlated with frequent pain (odds ratio, 2.5; P = 0.027). The use of microscope and loupes did not correlate with frequent pain. Eighty-nine percent of responders were aware of having bad surgical posture, but only 22% had received some form of ergonomics training at their institution. Sixty-four percent of responders believe that the operating room culture does not allow them to report the onset of symptoms and ask for adjustments. This was more common among residents reporting frequent pain (odds ratio, 3.12; P = 0.009). Conclusions Plastic surgeons are at high risk for occupational symptoms and injuries. Surprisingly, symptoms start early during residency. Because residents are aware of the problem and looking for solutions, this suggests an opportunity for educational intervention to improve the health and career longevity of the next generation of surgeons.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Complaints in Surgeons

“…Our findings are in agreement with previous results, suggesting that surgeons are at high risk for developing WMSCs [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Alnefaie et al [12] reported that 80% of respondent suffered from musculoskeletal manifestations related to surgery, with back and neck being the most affected parts (71.1% and 59.8%, respectively).…”

“…Neck, shoulder, upper and lower back and knee pain were more frequent in those with less than 10 years of experience. Similar results were reported by Alnefaie et al [12], who found a higher percentage of surgeons with 5-10 years of practice with musculoskeletal manifestations, and also by Kokosis et al [16], who found that musculoskeletal complaints started early in the training of plastic surgeons. Mavrovounis et al [23] specified that musculoskeletal symptoms appeared early in the residency in their study sample of neurosurgeons.…”

“…Upper limb complaints were also prevalent in their study sample, 49% reporting shoulder pain and 24% rotator cuff symptoms. Other studies reported the neck as the most affected region [2,13,15,16,18]. In a study of 141 surgeons of different specialties, Giagio et al [2] reported the most frequently affected body regions as being the neck (79%), lower back (75%), upper back (59%), shoulders (51%), and wrist and hand (26%).…”

“…In a study of 141 surgeons of different specialties, Giagio et al [2] reported the most frequently affected body regions as being the neck (79%), lower back (75%), upper back (59%), shoulders (51%), and wrist and hand (26%). In the study of Kokosis et al [16], 94% of the responders (plastic surgeons) have experienced musculoskeletal pain, with neck being the most affected area.…”

Scoping Review: Pengaruh Lama dan Jabatan Kerja Terhadap Keluhan Muskuloskeletal Pada Petugas Medis

“…Hasil scoping review pengaruh lama dan posisi kerja terhadap keluhan muskuloskeletal pada petugas medis dapat dilihat pada Tabel. [4][5][6][7][8][9][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Hasil review artikel yang diperoleh dari negara di Benua Amerika didapatkan 4 artikel dari Amerika Serikat dan 1 artikel dari Brazil; untuk Benua Asia didapatkan 4 artikel dari India, 2 artikel dari Iran, dan 1 artikel dari Hong Kong; serta untuk Benua Afrika didapatkan 1 artikel dari Mesir. Ketiga belas artikel yang diperoleh semua menggunakan studi penelitian kualitatif.…”