Work Related Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentist; A Cross-Sectional Study with site and onset of Upper Limb Symptoms

Abstract

Dentists' working day involves awkward and static standing and sitting positions to work within a precise mouth area, resulting in musculoskeletal problems. Objective: To determine frequency of musculoskeletal pain and disorders along with the body-site–specific upper limb (UL) symptoms among dentists. Methods: A cross-sectional study with non-probability convenience sampling was done from March to December 2021. Data were collected using three validated questionnaires, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI). SPSS was used to analyze data. Results: Fifty-three dentists were enrolled, with 5 (9.4%) males and 48 (90.6%) females. Pain regions were assessed in terms of frequency and severity of pain. There were significant differences found in different regions with p-value less than 0.001. Severe pain was found more in elbow with 42.9%, moderate pain in shoulder was observed with 37.5% however, 31.8% mild pain was observed in neck region with significant p-value of 0.004. Mean Posture Score (Neck, Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist) was found to be 5.32 ± 0.85 and Mean Posture Score (Upper Back) was found to be 4.08 ± 1.68. Female Gender was found common 25.8% in neck pain, 20.9% in shoulder pain, 16.1% in elbow, 12.9% in upper back with significant p-value of 0.016. Conclusions: Elbow was the most painful area in upper limb among dentists working with Clients. Female were more vulnerable in pain than male and majority reported pain related problem, which results in restricted range of motion