Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Injury in Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Abstract

Introduction: Long, complex surgical procedures with non-ergonomic postures, headlights, loupe magnification, and microscope use may put craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeons at an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMD). Identifying the prevalence and impact of WRMD may guide preventive strategies to prolong well-being, job satisfaction, and career duration. Methods: A 31-question survey was designed to evaluate WRMD. The survey was sent to American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons and American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons members. The survey was created and distributed electronically through a private survey research center (Qualtrics Survey Software). Results: There were 95 respondents (23.75% response rate): 75% male, 56% aged 31 to 50 years old, and 73% in academic practice. On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 no pain, 10 worst pain), WRMD for surgery without loupes/microscope had a median of 3, with loupes 4, and with microscope 5. Pain was most common in the neck. Pain within 4 hours of surgery was present in 55% and 38% feared pain would influence future surgical performance. Surgeon discomfort affects posture (72%), stamina (32%), sleep (28%), surgical speed (24%), relationships (18%), and concentration (17%). Medical treatment for discomfort was sought by 22%. Time off work for treatment occurred in 9%. Conclusion: The WRMD can affect many aspects of a craniofacial or maxillofacial surgeon's life and has the potential to shorten or end a career. Occupational health and surgical ergonomics should be emphasized during surgical training and in surgical practice.

Female Sex is Associated With Increased Reported Injury Rates and Difficulties With Use of Orthopedic Surgical Instruments

“…Further, the limited research we identified on the gender effects of hand mechanics indicates significant differences in force generation between male and female hands [13]. Multiple fields of surgery, including adult reconstructive surgery and spine surgery within orthopedics, have begun to acknowledge the toll poor ergonomics and work-related injuries can take on surgeons' careers and their overall health and well-being [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Despite the fact we did not find significant correlations between surgeon glove size and surgeon height with the likelihood of physical symptoms, we believe that the ergonomic use of surgical instruments is multifactorial and may include factors such as grip strength and hand structure and mechanics.…”

Use of a Surgical Microscope for Subperichondrial–Subperiosteal Dissection in Preservation Rhinoplasty: Ergonomic Considerations

“… 16 , 17 , 20 Moreover, although use of a surgical headlight is recommended for proper illumination of the surgical field, 3 the weight of the headlight, along with loupes, can increase the load on the neck, leading to the risk of muscular discomfort and fatigue. 6 In contrast, the microscope’s built-in light eliminates the need for a headlight and thus any added strain on the neck and body.…”

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.…”

“…Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Howarth dkk. 15 pada 95 responden ahli bedah yang melakukan prosedur craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeons melaporkan bahwa rasa ketidaknyamanan pada tubuh dipengaruhi oleh postur tubuh. Mempertahankan postur leher yang tertekuk saat melakukan prosedur di ruang operasi juga berkontribusi dalam timbulnya nyeri.…”