<p>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are increasingly recognized among surgeons due to prolonged static postures and repetitive tasks. ENT surgeons, in particular, face unique ergonomic challenges during microscopic, endoscopic, and open surgeries. However, limited data exists specific to this specialty. A prospective, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 100 ENT surgeons across various levels of experience using a validated 29-item questionnaire. Participants with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions were excluded. Data collected included demographics, surgical workload, physical activity, ergonomic practices, and prevalence of WMSDs. Responses were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. 69% of respondents reported work-related physical discomfort, with fatigue (33.8%), pain (29.6%), and neck stiffness (22.5%) being most common. 14% reported having to stop surgery due to discomfort, while 9% had taken time off work. Only 17% received any ergonomic training during their medical career, and 73% felt their workplace was not ergonomically optimized. Microscopic and endoscopic procedures were commonly associated with neck, shoulder, and lower back strain. Most symptoms began during residency. WMSDs are prevalent among ENT surgeons, often starting early in their careers and impacting work quality and personal well-being. Lack of ergonomic training and workplace optimization are key contributors. Incorporating ergonomic education in residency, redesigning surgical workspaces, promoting physiotherapy, and exploring assistive devices such as exoskeletons can significantly reduce musculoskeletal strain and improve surgical longevity and patient care outcomes.</p>

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Unmasking the Silent Strain: Tackling Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among ENT Doctors

  • Mihika Sinha,
  • Tanmaya Kataria,
  • Mohnish Grover,
  • Divya Jangid,
  • Ashima Saxena,
  • Anugrah Mittal

摘要

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are increasingly recognized among surgeons due to prolonged static postures and repetitive tasks. ENT surgeons, in particular, face unique ergonomic challenges during microscopic, endoscopic, and open surgeries. However, limited data exists specific to this specialty. A prospective, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 100 ENT surgeons across various levels of experience using a validated 29-item questionnaire. Participants with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions were excluded. Data collected included demographics, surgical workload, physical activity, ergonomic practices, and prevalence of WMSDs. Responses were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. 69% of respondents reported work-related physical discomfort, with fatigue (33.8%), pain (29.6%), and neck stiffness (22.5%) being most common. 14% reported having to stop surgery due to discomfort, while 9% had taken time off work. Only 17% received any ergonomic training during their medical career, and 73% felt their workplace was not ergonomically optimized. Microscopic and endoscopic procedures were commonly associated with neck, shoulder, and lower back strain. Most symptoms began during residency. WMSDs are prevalent among ENT surgeons, often starting early in their careers and impacting work quality and personal well-being. Lack of ergonomic training and workplace optimization are key contributors. Incorporating ergonomic education in residency, redesigning surgical workspaces, promoting physiotherapy, and exploring assistive devices such as exoskeletons can significantly reduce musculoskeletal strain and improve surgical longevity and patient care outcomes.