Musculoskeletal injuries among ERCP endoscopists in Canada

There are few reports in the literature describing musculoskeletal complaints among endoscopists, and none are specific to those who perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

To examine the current practices of ERCP endoscopists and the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries.

A self-report survey was sent to physicians practising ERCP across Canada identified through a pre-existing database. A second mailing was sent six weeks later to those who did not respond to the first mailing.

Of 162 surveys sent, 122 responses were received, with five respondents indicating that they no longer performed ERCP and three declining to participate. Of the 114 participants, 67% reported at least one musculoskeletal complaint, and 58% reported two or more complaints. Seventy-four per cent attributed their symptoms to endoscopy and/or ERCP, and 79% reported that their condition was aggravated by performing ERCP. The most frequently reported pain symptoms were back pain (57%), neck pain (46%) and hand pain (33%), which are all consistent with the physical risks involved in performing ERCP. Only 51% reported taking regular breaks, and only 25% reported having fluoroscopy tables with adjustable heights. The room designs of the respondents' ERCP facilities were analyzed for ergonomic considerations: 67% had poor ergonomics and 33% had good ergonomics. Sixty-four per cent reported that they were interested in learning preventive strategies.

Physicians who perform ERCP develop musculoskeletal injuries and are interested in learning about risk factor modification.