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Musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic pediatric surgeons: an overlooked entity
Mohammad M Alzahrani1,2,3, Saad M Alqahtani1,2,3, Michael Tanzer2
1Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal Children Hospital, McGill University, 2000 Drummond, Apt.1203, Montreal, QC H3G 2X1 Canada.
Introduction:
Forceful and repetitive maneuvers constitute the majority of pediatric orthopedic surgical tasks, thus subjecting surgeons to the risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries during their years in practice. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, characteristics and impact of MSK disorders among pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
Methods:
A modified version of the physical discomfort survey was sent to surgeons who were members of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) via e-mail. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and Fisher's exact test. p values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results:
Of the 402 respondents, 67 % reported that they had sustained a work-related MSK injury, of which the most common diagnoses were low back pain (28.6 %) and lateral elbow epicondylitis (15.4 %). Among those which reported an injury, 26 % required surgical treatment and 31 % needed time off work as a direct result of their injury. The number of work-related injuries incurred by a surgeon increased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001), working in a non-academic institute (p < 0.05), working in more than one institute (p < 0.05), and being in active practice for >21 years (p < 0.05). The need to undergo treatment or take time off due to the injury was associated with increased number of injuries (p < 0.001). In addition, surgeons were more likely to require time off work when they were >56 years of age (p < 0.001), had been in practice for >21 years (p < 0.001), required surgical management of their disorder (p < 0.001), and had experienced an exacerbation of a previous disorder (p < 0.001).
Discussion And Conclusion:
This study is the first of its kind to assess MSK injuries sustained by pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The high incidence of these disorders may place a financial and psychological burden on these surgeons and thus the healthcare system. These results should shed a light on awareness and the need for further studies to prevent and help decrease the incidence of these disorders not only in orthopedic surgeons but also in the surgical population in general.
Insights
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons experience high rates of work-related musculoskeletal injuries, with low back pain and elbow epicondylitis being most common. These injuries impact surgeons
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Pediatric orthopedic surgery involves forceful, repetitive maneuvers, increasing surgeons' risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries.
- Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant concern for surgeons during their careers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of MSK disorders among pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
- To assess the impact of these work-related MSK injuries on surgeons' careers and well-being.
Main Methods:
- A modified physical discomfort survey was distributed to members of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA).
- Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Fisher's exact test.
- Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Main Results:
- 67% of 402 respondents reported work-related MSK injuries, most commonly low back pain (28.6%) and lateral elbow epicondylitis (15.4%).
- Injuries led to surgical treatment in 26% of cases and time off work in 31%.
- Injury incidence correlated with surgeon age, non-academic/multiple practice settings, and >21 years in practice.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to document MSK injuries in pediatric orthopedic surgeons, revealing a high incidence.
- These disorders impose financial and psychological burdens on surgeons and the healthcare system.
- Findings highlight the need for increased awareness and further research into injury prevention for surgeons.
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