A study of phonomicrosurgical arm support postures using a magnetic motion tracking system

Area of Science:

• Laryngeal surgery
• Microsurgery techniques
• Surgical ergonomics

Background:

• Phonomicrosurgery requires precise instrument control.
• Arm support postures can influence surgeon's dexterity and surgical outcomes.
• Quantitative analysis of arm support in phonomicrosurgery is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare four arm support postures in phonomicrosurgery.
• To evaluate the impact of different arm supports on surgical performance using quantitative motion parameters.
• To identify optimal arm support strategies for improved phonomicrosurgery outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study involving seven subjects performing simulated phonomicrosurgical cutting tasks.
• Utilized a magnetic-based phonomicrosurgery instrument tracking system (MPTS) for data collection.
• Analyzed motion parameters (operation time, path length, depth perception, motion smoothness) and cutting quality for four postures: elbow support (ES), forearm support (FS), forearm and hand support, and no support.

Main Results:

• Forearm support (FS) led to improved steadiness (S), depth perception (D), and shorter path length (P) in the nondominant hand (P < 0.05).
• Elbow support (ES) enhanced motion control and steadiness in the dominant hand (P < 0.05).
• Increased motion control in the nondominant hand correlated with better overall operation quality.

Conclusions:

• Forearm support (FS) enhances nondominant hand steadiness and surgical path efficiency.
• Elbow support (ES) improves dominant hand steadiness, surgical path, and depth perception.
• Consideration of gravity and wrist dexterity is crucial for selecting appropriate arm supports in phonomicrosurgery.