Musculoskeletal Disorders In Dentists Research Articles

Assessment of ergonomic risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders among dentist in Kolhapur region.

Work-related disability is caused commonly due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in dentistry. Prolonged static awkward and repetitive postures cause MSD in dentists. The study was executed to confirm the development of MSD in various body regions as they have to work in a small oral cavity to perform crucial dental procedures with precision and concentration. To assess the occurrence of the MSD in several body regions of dentists and to carry out postural study thereby helping them improve posture. Dentists were assessed for their current working postures with various MSD symptoms and its effects. The questionnaire was devised to get musculoskeletal health data from dentists. The postural load was investigated using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Various risk factors contributing to MSD symptoms were identified after data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. According to the current study neck, shoulder, lower back, upper back, wrist hand, elbow, hip, thigh, knee, and ankle were the most affected anatomical regions. Average RULA score for the current study was found to be 6.75 which indicated a need of change of posture while performing dental procedures. There is statistical correlation between gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), uncomfortable positions, stretching, use of ergonomic saddle chair, hand dominance and MSD. There is no statistical correlation between years of experience and MSD. Current workstation (Dental Chair) requires immediate improvements as evident from the postural load analysis, thus immediate implementation of intervention program is required.

Identification of prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and various risk factors in dentists

PurposeThe awkward and repetitive movements lead to tissue straining, potentially leading to painful musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs in dentists result in work inefficiency and a reduction in work hours. A survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of MSDs amongst the dental population of interest. MethodsCustomized individual detail questionnaires, Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaires, and Level of Pain estimation using the Likert Scale were used to deduce the various responsible risk factors for the occurrence of MSDs in dentists. Inferential statistical analysis was done to identify the prevalence and severity of the MSDs. The Chi-Square test (95 % confidence interval) was used to identify and compare the association of risk factors involved in MSDs with the occurrence of the Effect of MSDs, the presence of MSDs, and the severity of the MSDs. ResultsThe results of the study deduced that the dentists followed the sedentary work practices. The dentists experienced maximum discomfort in the neck region, which was accompanied by the discomfort experienced in the lower back, hands and wrists, making the upper extremity being more susceptible to the MSDs. Gender risk factors the, the prevalence of MSDs in the dentist's upper back, and the severity of pain in the upper back region showed a significant association level. ConclusionThe wrist posture, the prevalence of MSDs and the severity of pain in the dentists' neck, shoulder and upper back showed a significant association level.

Ergonomic Risk and Musculoskeletal Disorders Related to the Upper Limbs in Dental Medicine Students

Background: In light of the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, an extended knowledge of the phenomena, including the onset time and treatments presenting higher risk, is needed. Thus, this study aimed to 1) assess exposure to ergonomic risk factors, musculoskeletal symptoms and associated functional limitation in dental students, 2) estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dental students and 3) assess the exposure to vibrations associated with the use of an ultrasonic scaler. Methods: For the ergonomic evaluation, two questionnaires were applied: Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART-Tool) and the Strain-Index Score Sheet. The ultrasonic scaler's assessment of exposure to vibratory forces was carried out by a certified engineer using an accelerometer Cubic Triaxial Deltatron attached to a mounting clip attached with cyanoacrylate to the handpiece of the scaler, according to the 3 axes of the hand-arm system (x, y e z). Standardized questionnaires were used to identify symptoms and associated disability. Results: All the recorded values exceeded the maximum limit of reference. This difference was more accentuated in the Strain-Index. The maximum exposure value is much lower than the limit imposed. An exposure time equivalent to 8 hours of work in a day would still not exceed the maximum action value. As a result of the clinical evaluation, different musculoskeletal disorders were identified. Conclusion: Ergonomic risk exposure among dental students is a reality. Preventive strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in dentists should be initiated at an early stage in their lives, particularly during their academic training.

How Does the Use of an Intraoral Scanner Affect Muscle Fatigue? A Preliminary In Vivo Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate muscle activation and fatigue in the operator during tooth preparation and intraoral scanning by simulating these tasks in two types of dental unit chair systems (UCS). Six participants were recruited, and the above tasks were simulated. Electrodes were placed on the skin over five types of muscles (arm, neck, and shoulder muscles), and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured. Electromyography (EMG) was assessed during the simulation, and EMG values were normalized using MVC. The root mean square (RMS) EMG (%MVC) and muscle fatigue (%) were calculated. Owing to a lack of normal distribution of the data, Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were performed for statistical comparison, and Bonferroni adjustment was performed for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). There was no significant difference in RMS EMG between the two types of dental UCS (intraoral scanning, p = 0.237; tooth preparation, p = 0.543). Moreover, the RMS EMG and muscle fatigue were not significantly different between the two tasks (p > 0.05). There was significant muscle fatigue after the intraoral scanner use was simulated thrice (p < 0.001). It is necessary to refrain from performing continuous intraoral scanning and tooth preparation and to take appropriate rest to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists in clinical settings.

Musculoskeletal disorders in dentists and relearning the ergonomics

Musculoskeletal disorders in dentists and relearning the ergonomics

Body Posture Evaluation of Dental Specialty Groups and Risk of Developing Musculoskeletal Disorders

Objective: Adopting correct body postures is extremely essential in preventing future musculoskeletal disorders in Dentists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the body posture of general and specialist dentists to find awkward body postures, badly postured body parts and the risk of developing future MSDs. Methods: Stratified sampling method was used to recruit 224 dentists in Kerman and Mashhad. The most frequently adopted body posture was selected and based on Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, scores were given to the angulation of different body parts. T-test and ANOVA test were performed to analyze the data. Results: About 10% of dentists had a REBA score which showed a high or very high risk of developing MSDs. Specialists and general dentists were not different in terms of REBA score. Among different specialties, periodontists had the highest REBA score. Overall, forearms and neck had the highest REBA score. Conclusion: General dentists and all dental specialties (except operative dentists) were at moderate risk of developing MSDs. Periodontists were at higher risk of developing MSDs. Based on REBA, the forearm and the neck were the most badly postured body parts.

Assessment of Knowledge about Ergonomics and Determining Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists: An Original Research.

Background:Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are commonly occurring disorders nowadays. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining MSDs in dentists and to assess knowledge about ergonomics.Materials and Methods:This questionnaire study was conducted among 460 dental professionals of different age groups. Parameters such as posture of dentists, working alone or with an assistant, and number of breaks were recorded. Type of MSDs and the type and effectiveness were recorded.Results:BDS students were seventy, interns were 112, general dentists were 186, and specialists were 92. Year of practice was <5 years in 215, 5–10 years in 70, 10–20 years in 35, and >20 years in 140 students. Fourteen percent of students, 18% interns, 45% general practitioners, and 32% of specialists had a prevalence of MSD. Most common MSDs in students were upper back pain seen in 6%, in interns were upper back pain seen in 8%, in general practitioners were shoulder pain seen in 21%, and in specialists were hand/wrist pain seen in 10%. Forty-five percent of students, 67% interns, 72% general dentists, and 80% of specialists had idea about ergonomics. Seventy-four percent of students, 80% of interns, 83% of general dentists, and 87% of specialists think that ergonomics may improve performance. Sitting position was preferred seen in 53% of students, 58% of interns, 65% general dentists, and 60% of specialists. Forty-five percent of students, 47% of interns, 56% of general dentists, and 52% of specialists perform physical activity during work. The difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Seventy-nine percent of students, 83% of interns, 86% of general dentists, and 88% of specialists show prolong sitting or standing.Conclusion:Authors found that all prefer to apply ergonomic in clinical practice. There is a lack of knowledge among BDS students and interns about ergonomics.

Evaluation of neck pain and scapular stability in graduate dental students: A cross-sectional study

Background: There is a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. The most commonly affected areas are the neck, low back, wrist, and hand. The symptoms of the musculoskeletal disorder occur during the educational and training course in dental students. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess neck pain and the scapular stability in graduate dental students. Study Design: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Study Setting: This study was conducted at a dental college attached to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The site of pain over the neck region (in subjects with pain) was assessed using body diagrams. Assessment of intensity of pain (if present) was done using Numerical Rating Scale, scapular posture using the pectoralis minor (PM) length test and resting scapular upward rotation using Baseline Bubble Inclinometer, dynamic scapular positioning using Lateral Scapular Slide Test, and muscle strength of scapular stabilizers using Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester. The outcome measures were compared between 1st-year undergraduate dental students (Group A) and dental interns (Group B). Results: Sixty-three female dental students (Group A, n = 32; Group B, n = 31) were included. There was a significant difference in the PM length test of left side (P = 0.02) and intensity of pain (right side P = 0.008, left side P = 0.003) in Groups A and B. The site of pain was over the lateral aspect of the neck and the character of pain was aching. We found no significant difference in other outcome measures. Conclusion: Dental students suffer from neck pain. Static scapular posture was affected, whereas the dynamic scapular stability was not affected.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists and Dental Students in Germany.

Background: Dentists are at a higher risk of suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) than the general population. However, the latest study investigating MSD in the dental profession in Germany was published about 20 years ago. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the current prevalence of MSD in dentists and dental students in Germany. Methods: The final study size contained 450 (287 f/163 m) subjects of different areas of specialization. The age of the participants ranged from 23 to 75 years. The questionnaire consisted of a modified version of the Nordic Questionnaire, work-related questions from the latest questionnaire of German dentists, typical medical conditions and self-developed questions. Results: The overall prevalence showed that dentists suffered frequently from MSD (seven days: 65.6%, twelve months: 92%, lifetime: 95.8%). The most affected body regions included the neck (42.7%–70.9%–78.4%), shoulders (29.8%–55.6%–66.2%) and lower back (22.9%–45.8%–58.7%). Overall, female participants stated that they suffered from pain significantly more frequently, especially in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Conclusion: The prevalence of MSD among dentists, especially in the neck, shoulder and back area, was significantly higher than in the general population. In addition, women suffered more frequently from MSD than men in almost all body regions.

Investigation of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Evaluation of Physical Condition while Working with RULA Method in Dentists of Ilam Health Centers in 2011

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are multifactorial and caused by various factors. In the dental profession, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is high due to the position of the body. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists in Ilam.&#x0D; Methods: The present study is a descriptive-analytical evaluating the working conditions of dentists working in Ilam health centers by RULA method. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was also collected using the standard Nordic questionnaire. Dentists' postures were recorded while working using a camera, and the most frequent poses were selected and analyzed by RULA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 with chi-square test and a significance level of p &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: In this study, 18 dentists have participated with a mean age of 39.2 and an age range of 25-47 years, of which 16.7% (3 people) were female, and 83.3% (15 people) were male. The 12-month prevalence of disorders in different areas of the body was mostly the waist (77.8%), the neck and back (66.7%), and the knees (38.9 %). The results of the RULA method showed that 16.7% and 83.3% of the peoples were in the priority level of corrective action 2 and 3, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the achieved results, the dentists have missed many days of work and daily activities due to the pain in different body regions. Therefore, designing sports and training programs can be helpful in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

Frequency of Neck and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are not only becoming prevalent among health care professionals in our country but are affecting their health and performance adversely. They are caused by poor ergonomics and awkward posture during work activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in dentists of Lahore, Pakistan.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2017 to March 2018. The data was collected using convenient sampling technique from 162 Dentists including 52 males and 110 females of Children hospital Lahore, Punjab Dental hospital and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Data was collected by using Mangalore Questionnaire for identification of musculoskeletal disorders. Descriptive analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 22.0.&#x0D; Results: Of 162 dentists, 115 (71%) suffered from musculoskeletal disorders. Shoulder was the most commonly affected region (30.9%) followed by neck (25.9%), arm (6.2%), wrist (4.3%), elbow (3.1%) and forearm (0.6%). Pain (45.7%) was found to be the most common complaint followed by muscle weakness (20.4%), paraesthesia (3.7%) and swelling (1.2%).&#x0D; Conclusions: It was concluded that majority of the dentists were suffering from musculoskeletal disorders with shoulder as the most affected region and pain as the most frequent complaint.&#x0D; Key words: Dentists, Musculoskeletal disorders, Neck pain, Upper extremity

Comparative analysis of imaging and novel markerless approach for measurement of postural parameters in dental seating tasks

Postural inaccuracies in persistent dental tasks indicated an upsurge in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. This makes it imperative to restrain awkward postural movements while working. Biased results in self-reporting surveys; discomfort, expense, and time consumption involved in using wearable sensors; and expert’s opinion are required in observational methods. Hence, it is important to use significantly reliable, cheap technology as a substitute to overcome the shortcomings of the mentioned techniques. In this study, the markerless Kinect V2–based system was developed and compared with the conventional imaging technique for real-time postural assessment of dental seating tasks. The study assessed the angle parameters related to the dentist’s bodily movement of upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, and trunk. Ten dentists from the local dental institution volunteered for the study. Dentists were monitored with both techniques while performing real-time dental procedures. The agreement between the techniques was assessed using Bland–Altman plot at 95% bias, Pearson’s (r1) and concordance (r2) correlation coefficients, mean difference, and percentage error. For conclusive agreement analysis, contingency coefficient, proportion agreement index, Cohen’s kappa, and Mann–Whitney U at 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated. Data acquired from both techniques possessed strong correlations (r1 and r2 &gt;0.90). Good agreement in Rapid Upper Limb Assessment data using Cohen’s kappa (0.67) at standard Landis and Koch’s scale was also observed. Postural analysis of slow-motion tasks like dentistry using the Kinect V2 system proved to be unobtrusive and efficient. This may be used by dentists to have periodic postural check. In future, Kinect V2–based feedback system may be used to develop an assistive technology using predictive algorithms, which may help in reducing the probability of occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentists.

SOPEZ: study for the optimization of ergonomics in the dental practice - musculoskeletal disorders in dentists and dental assistants: a study protocol

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common among dental professionals. The most common areas affected are the trunk, neck, shoulders and wrists. Current evidence suggests that the causes of MSD can be found in the physical demands of the profession. Posture and movement during treatment is influenced by the arrangement of the treatment concept (patient chair, equipment and cabinets). It has not been investigated whether the ergonomic risk differs between the treatment concepts.MethodsTo evaluate the prevalence of MSD in dental professionals, 1000 responses will be collected from a nationwide (Germany) online questionnaire (mod. Nordic Questionnaire and mod. Meyer questionnaire). In order to assess the ergonomic risk of the treatment techniques used in the four treatment concepts, 3D movement analyses are carried out with inertial sensors. For this purpose, 20 teams of dentists and dental assistants from four dental fields of specializations (generalists, orthodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons) and a student control group will be recruited. Each team will execute field specific standardized treatments at a dummy head. Measurements are carried out in each of the four treatment concepts. The data will be analyzed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) which will be modified for the evaluation of objective data.ConclusionsOn the basis of these investigations, a substantial gain of knowledge regarding work-related MSD in the field of dentistry and its potential biomechanical causes is possible. For the first time, objective and differentiated comparisons between the four treatment concepts are possible for different fields of dental specialization. Up to now, statically held positions of the trunk and proximal upper extremities, but also the repetitive movements of the hands have been considered a risk for MSD. Since both are included in the RULA, dental activities can be assessed in a detailed but also global manner with regard to ergonomic risks.

Ergonomic Evaluation of Senior Undergraduate Students and Effect of Instruction Regarding Ergonomic Principles on It.

Background and objective: Musculoskeletal disorders in dentists due to abnormal postures may result in economic and health problems. To prevent these problems, the working posture of dental students should be assessed and corrected in dental procedures. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of instruction regarding ergonomic principles on them by using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. Material and methods: The posture of 117 students was assessed by REBA before and after of the "Ergonomic principles in dentistry" course. The sample size was selected based on previous studies on this issue. REBA scores were assessed by SPSS software using Friedman-test. Results: The statistical analysis of data gathered from this study showed that the ergonomic structure had a significant effect only in the group of right-handed females (P=0.046). In other groups, no significant change was observed (P>0.05). There was no significant change before and after instruction in REBA classifications (negligible, low risk, medium risk, high risk, very high risk) (P>0.05). There was no relation between the types of positions and REBA score (P>0.05). Conclusion: Ergonomic instruction can significantly decrease musculoskeletal disorders in female dentists who use their right-hand to work. In the other groups, however, the absolute amount of danger became better, but this change was not statistically significant.

The Effect of Ergonomics Training on Reducing the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists in Karaj

The Effect of Ergonomics Training on Reducing the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists in Karaj

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists

The use of thermal imaging in evaluating musculoskeletal disorders in dentists.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by incorrect working positions among dentists is a serious health issue and one that leads to decreased productivity and quality of life. Muscle activity and strain is correlated with higher surface temperatures due to increased metabolic activity [2]. The main objective of this study is to evaluate, using thermal imaging, the muscular strain experienced by oral healthcare professionals during work depending on their position, and to assess whether periodic stretching exercises have an impact on preventing MSDs. The study included four subjects and used thermal imaging to evaluate the heat pattern produced by muscle strain in two different states, one while working in incorrect postures and the other after performing stretching exercises. We used a FLIRB200 thermal imaging camera to measure skin surface temperature changes of the underlining muscles in the cervical, right arm triceps, and lumbar areas. According to the imaging, all four subjects recorded a drop in temperature in evaluated muscle regions after performing stretching exercises, corresponding to a decrease in muscle strain. Thermal imaging can be effectively used to evaluate muscle strain and MSDs. Stretching exercises could be viewed as effective preventive measures to avoid MSDs caused by erroneous work postures, however, more subjects are required to draw a definite conclusion.

Musculoskeletal Disorders among Brazilian Dentists in São Paulo

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the relationships between health and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in dentists, and the relationship with socio-demographic, work and health variables.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 204 dentists who work in public clinics in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. We used a self-administered survey that included questions on sociodemographic and health aspects, work-related factors, and the Nordic questionnaire.RESULTS: WMSDs were often reported in the neck, shoulder, lower back, and hand/wrists. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a correlation between reports of WMSD in the neck and age (OR = 9.48) and health problems (OR = 6.71). Moreover, strong associations were found between MSDs in the shoulders, gender (OR = 5.88) and breaks between appointments (OR = 4.17).CONCLUSION: We concluded that the health problems diagnosed, work-related activities and gender contributed to musculoskeletal disorders in dentists in this clinic.

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists: A Systematic Review

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most important occupational health problems particularly in dentists. Technological advancements in the field of dental equipment and material- shave not fully eliminated the musculoskeletal problems of dentists.Methods: This systematic review began with a search of a range of a relevant articles from May to July 2017 in Google Scholar with the key words musculoskeletal disorders, dental practitioners, dentist, risk factors. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the manuscript a total 13 origi- nal articles were included for this review work.Results : This review work observed the highest overall prevalence of MSDs among dental practition- ers were 92% with the most prevalent regions for pain in dentists have been shown to be the neck (41-75.7%), lower back (35–73.5 %) and shoulder (29–43.3%). Different risk factors have been identi- fied, including inadequate postures, long working hours without pause, direct inspection, physical load, repetitive movements etc.Conclusion: Overall, the review emphasizes that MSDs represent a significant burden for the dental professionals. Further studies are required including large sample size to be able to reach valid conclusion and be able to generalize results.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2017; 7 (2): 38-42

A self-report joint damage and musculoskeletal disorders data among dentists: a cross-sectional study.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are an occupational health problem that demands a high cost and may also reduce the quality of life and productivity of the dentists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MSD and its association with self-reported joint damage in dentists from São Paulo (Brazil). This was a cross-sectional study performed from two self-administered questionnaires - the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the other containing demographic and occupational data - in 6072 dentists. Between April and May 2014, 5885 questionnaires were distributed via e-mail through São Paulo Regional Board of Dentistry (CRO-SP) and 187 in Congress and public offices. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between explanatory variables (sex, age, level of education, duration of practice in years, number of patients seen per day, previous receipt of information about ergonomics, physical activity, and the presence of joint damage) and MSD. Two hundred eighty-six valid questionnaires were returned. The prevalence of MSD was 63.6% (N.=182). Multivariable logistic regression showed that only the factor of self-reported joint damage has a significant association with MSD (OR 0.001; 95% CI: 0.000-0.007). Concerning the self-reported joint damage (60.1%), the carpal tunnel syndrome was the most frequent (13.2%). The prevalence of MSD in dentists from São Paulo is high, and carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common self-reported joint damage.