Restricted posture in dentistry \u2013 a kinematic analysis of orthodontists

Daniela Ohlendorf,Imke Hauck,Christina Erbe,Jennifer Nowak,Dirk Ditchen,Ingo Hermanns,David A Groneberg,Rolf Ellegast

doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1629-7

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aims at identifying orthodontic activities with the highest frequency of unfavorable/awkward and static postures held over a period of more than 4 s based on kinematic analysis. Moreover, a separate analysis of static postures for orthodontic and non-orthodontic activities serves to evaluate the duration for which these particular postures are assumed.MethodsIn total, 21 (13f/8 m) orthodontists (age: 31.5 ± 3.8 years) participated in this study. CUELA, a personal measurement system, was used to collect kinematic data for all orthodontic activities in a working day. Angle values of the head and torso were evaluated in accordance with ergonomic standards. Only those postures that were held statically for 4 s and longer were selected for further analysis. Alongside the kinematic analysis, the activities performed on-site were also subject to a detailed computerized analysis. The synchronization of data collected from both measurements arranges the patterns of posture found chronologically and in conjunction with the orthodontic activities performed ((I) “treatment” (II) “office” and (III) “other activities”).ResultsFor (I) we observed an anterior inclination of the head and torso area as well as a twist of the head and neck area to the right. We found anterior back inclination and lateral back torsion to the right for (II) and (III). If, furthermore, we differentiate the duration of static postures, there are primarily short to medium-term (4–30s) static postures identified for (I). Also, categories (II) and (III) predominantly demonstrate static back postures with a duration of up to 30 s. With regard to (II) we observed that the back is ventrally inclined for 10.1% of the total activity duration.ConclusionsDuring treatment static strains are observed in the entire head and torso area. On the contrary, static postures prevalent in the torso area are essential for activities of the other categories, particularly office work. These findings allow for a careful selection of unfavorable and static postures for each of the activities performed and help to develop specific preventive measures.

Highlights

This study aims at identifying orthodontic activities with the highest frequency of unfavorable/ awkward and static postures held over a period of more than 4 s based on kinematic analysis
Data generated in the present study affirms that static postures (4–10 s) in the head and neck area have a shorter duration than static postures in the back, even though we found that in both anatomical areas positions assumed were primarily inclined to the front
The risk of developing work related musculoskeletal disorders is high in the back and neck, a conclusion that is confirmed by Park et al [32] and their application of the Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method

Summary

Introduction

This study aims at identifying orthodontic activities with the highest frequency of unfavorable/ awkward and static postures held over a period of more than 4 s based on kinematic analysis. Studies around the globe point to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in orthodontists regardless of their given work experience [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. These studies show an increased pain symptomatology especially in the neck, shoulder, and/or back area caused by dental activities [9,10,11,12,13,14,15]. Disorders caused by spinal disc issues can result in occupational disability [26,27,28]

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