Trends and risk factors in musculoskeletal disorders among stomatologists

Abstract

Introduction: Dentists, due to their work, are prone to suffer problems in the locomotor system, a situation that can sometimes limit their work performance. These problems can cause anything from mild musculoskeletal symptoms to incapacity, putting not only their health at risk but also severely reducing their professional performance. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational epidemiological study was carried out with a sample of 35 stomatologists of both sexes. The stomatologists' data were recorded in self-recognition surveys and data collection forms, in order to group the individual, biomechanical and ergonomic risk factors present in the sample. Results: The female sex predominated with 71.4%, as well as the age group 35 to 44 years (42.8%). Musculoskeletal disorders prevailed in the female sex with 62.8%, the most affected specialty, the EGI with 42.9%, stomatologists with 11 to 20 years of work (37.1%). Predominant was the preference for seated work (74.3%) and the use of inadequate postures (65.7%). The cervical and sacrolumbar areas were the most affected 85.7% and 57.1% respectively. Conclusions: A close relationship was found between inadequate postures and non-ergonomic dental units with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in the stomatologists in the sample.