Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Spine Surgeons

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among spine surgeons. Materials and Methods: A modified version of discomfort survey was sent via e-mail to surgeons that belong to the Korean Society of Spine Surgery. The survey questionnaires were composed of demographics, factors relating to spine surgery, and MSD. We investigated the common sites of occurrence of MSD and its risk factors. Results: The survey was sent to a total of 420 subjects; of which, 80 subjects (19.0%) responded. About 78.8% of the respondents had MSD for the past year. The common sites of occurrence included the neck (52.5%), back (46.3%), and shoulder (18.8%). The prevalence of pain in the elbow joint/forearm was higher in the group performing a higher frequency of spine surgeries (p=0.033). Moreover, the prevalence of pain in the wrist/hand (p=0.008) and in the back (p=0.042) was higher in those with greater frequency of major surgeries (＞10 case/year) as compared with those with lower frequency of major surgeries. Conclusion: As shown, about 78.8% of spine surgeons experienced MSD for the past one year. Its prevalence was higher as compared with the general population. Thus, more attention should be paid to the prevention of MSD among spine surgeons.