Rural Surgical Training in the US: Delineating Essential Components and Identifying Existing Programs

Abstract

injuries reported were neck (31%), thumb (17%), and shoulder (14%); 42% of taller surgeons (>5'9") had neck pain vs 14% of shorter surgeons (<5'4"); 5% of taller surgeon reported shoulder pain vs 21% of shorter surgeons. Surgeons with smaller (<6)/larger (>8.5) glove sizes were more likely to report injuries (87.5% vs 42.9%, p¼ 0.046). Surgeons attributed their injuries to standing for an extended time, not taking breaks, large case volumes and table height. 82% of surgeons reported having little to no knowledge of ergonomics. CONCLUSION: A significant number of surgeons report workrelated injuries. Height and hand size are associated with different types of injuries. Increased attention to educating surgeons on ergonomic principles is warranted.