Cervical spine disease in surgeons performing arthroscopy or laparoscopy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Gastroenterology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Cervical spine disorders are prevalent among healthcare professionals.
• Minimal research exists on the specific risks faced by surgeons performing endoscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of neck pain, spine disease, and radiculopathy/myelopathy in surgeons with endoscopy experience.
• To identify risk factors associated with these conditions in the studied surgical population.

Main Methods:

• A confidential online survey was distributed to 722 surgeons within a group-based healthcare system.
• Data collected included self-reported neck pain, spine disease, radiculopathy/myelopathy, age, gender, specialty, job stress, and endoscopy frequency.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors.

Main Results:

• Of 415 respondents, 361 had endoscopy experience. Prevalence rates were 24.4% for neck pain, 20.8% for spine disease, and 3.9% for radiculopathy/myelopathy.
• Older age and female gender were risk factors for neck pain.
• OB/GYN specialty, increased age, and job stress were risk factors for spine disease.
• Greater surgeon experience was a significant risk factor for both neck pain and spine disease, even after adjusting for age and gender.
• Increased surgeon experience and higher endoscopy frequency were significant risk factors for spine disease after adjusting for job stress.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic procedures appear to place surgeons at a higher risk for developing cervical spine disorders.
• Surgeon experience and the frequency of performing endoscopies are significant contributing factors to cervical spine disease.
• Further research and preventative strategies are warranted to mitigate these occupational risks.