Is shoulder impingement syndrome a problem in otolaryngologists?

Shoulder problems are well-documented as an occupational illness. The incidence of occupational shoulder problems is increasing. A postal questionnaire survey was conducted to see if otolaryngologists are more susceptible to shoulder impingement syndrome because of their occupation. Endocrinologists were used as the control group. Among 556 questionnaires sent to otolaryngologists, 367 (64.6%) responses were returned compared with 210 questionnaires sent to endocrinologists, of which 138 (65.7%) responses were returned. A total of 88 (24.0%) of the otolaryngologists had suffered from impingement syndrome compared with 15 (10.9%) of the endocrinologists, which was significantly different. Of those with impingement syndrome, more endocrinologists gave a history of injury or overuse compared with otolaryngologists. There must be another factor, leading to increased incidence of impingement syndrome, which may be because of the continuous flexion, and abduction of their shoulders during examination and operating on patients.