Ergonomics in Office-Based Surgery

Ergonomics in Office-Based Surgery

  • Submitted By: clarkmylove
  • Date Submitted: 08/04/2010 2:30 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 5367
  • Page: 22
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ARTICLES

Ergonomics in Office-Based Surgery: A Survey-Guided Observational Study
ADAM C. ESSER, MD,Ã JAMES G. KOSHY, PHDy,
AND

HENRY W. RANDLE, MD, PHDÃ

BACKGROUND

The practice of office-based surgery is increasing in many specialties.

OBJECTIVE Using Mohs surgery as a model, we investigated the role of ergonomics in office-based surgery to limit work-related musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS All Mayo Clinic surgeons currently performing Mohs surgery and Mohs surgeons trained at Mayo Clinic between 1990 and 2004 received a questionnaire survey between May 2003 and September 2004. A sample of respondents were videotaped during surgery. The main outcome measures were survey responses and an ergonomist’s identification of potential causes of musculoskeletal disorders. RESULTS All 17 surgeons surveyed responded. Those surveyed spend a mean of 24 hours per week in surgery. Sixteen said they had symptoms caused by or made worse by performing surgery. Symptom onset occurred on average at age 35.4 years. The most common complaints were pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back and headaches. Videotapes of 6 surgeons revealed problems with operating room setup, awkward posture, forceful exertion, poor positioning, lighting, and duration of procedures. CONCLUSION Symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries are common and may begin early in a physician’s career. Modifying footwear, flooring, table height, operating position, lighting, and surgical instruments may improve the ergonomics of office-based surgery. Adam C. Esser, MD, James G. Koshy, PhD, and Henry W. Randle, MD, PhD, have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

O

ffice-based surgery is becoming commonplace as various medical specialties embrace minimally invasive techniques. With the increase in the number of office-based surgical procedures, signs and symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, especially of the neck, back, and upper extremities,...

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