Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and potential risk factors among Romanian surgeons. Ninety-five surgeons of different specialties (62.11% males) completed a questionnaire about work-related musculoskeletal complaints (WMSCs). Ninety-one surgeons (95.78%) experienced WMSCs at least in one body part in the last year. Most surgeons reported pain in four body parts (33.68%). The most common WMSCs were reported on the lower back (74.73%), followed by complaints in the neck region (55.79%), shoulder and upper back (46.32%), knee (31.58%), wrist–hand (16.84%), elbow (14.74%), hip (11.58%) and ankle–foot (4.21%). Surgeons rated their pain more severe on upper back, lower back and knees. A higher percentage of male surgeons reported upper back pain (χ2(1) = 5.818, p = 0.015). Significant age differences were found between the reported pain sites (F8,278 = 2.666, p = 0.008); the surgeons reporting wrist–hand pain were younger than those reporting neck, shoulders, elbows, dorsal and lumbar pain. Surgeons with significantly less experience in years reported significantly more WMSCs in wrist–hand, hip and ankle–foot regions compared with those more experienced (p < 0.05). Surgeons are at high risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal complaints, which affects both their professional and personal life. Further studies are needed to identify all risk factors and ergonomic strategies to reduce the prevalence and the negative impact of WMSCs.
Highlights
Surgeons, as all other healthcare workers, are at risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal complaints (WMSCs) and disorders
A substantial number of surgeons suffer from work-related musculoskeletal symptoms that are exacerbated as those surgeons continue to operate [1]
The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and potential risk factors among Romanian surgeons
Summary
As all other healthcare workers, are at risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal complaints (WMSCs) and disorders. Several studies have reported that surgeons are exposed to intense physical strain while performing different surgical procedures. All well-known risk factors for WMSCs are met during surgical procedures—awkward, prolonged static postures, repetitive movements of upper limbs [2]. Kant et al [3] have analyzed the most common static working position adopted by surgeons and this implies the head bent forward, the spine bent forward and twisted, the shoulder raised and standing on one leg. Ruitenberg et al [4] found that surgeons stand 130% longer and performed fine repetitive movements 26 times longer than other hospital physicians. The physical demands were perceived by surgeons as uncomfortable and exhausting, the main reason being the prolonged repetitive movements and the working postures. The authors concluded that the physical demands of performing surgery are a threat to surgeons’ physical health, work ability and job performance [4]
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