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Occupation-related Cervical Spine Disease in Orthopaedic Surgeons
Ronald Wb Wyatt1, Charles C Lin, Elizabeth P Norheim
1From The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA (Dr. Wyatt), the NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, NY (Dr. Lin), the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA (Dr. Norheim, Dr. Navarro), and the California Orthopaedic Association, Sacramento, CA (Ms. Przepiorski).
Introduction:
Musculoskeletal injury can substantially affect orthopaedic surgeons and productivity. The objective of this study was to assess occupation-related neck pain and cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy among orthopaedic surgeons and to identify the potential risk factors for injury.
Methods:
An online survey was sent to orthopaedic surgeons via their state orthopaedic society. The survey consisted of items related to orthopaedic practices, such as the number of arthroscopic procedures done and the use of microscopes/loupes. The prevalence, potential causes, and reporting practices of neck pain and cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy among orthopaedic surgeons were also assessed.
Results:
There were 685 responses from surgeons representing 27 states. A total of 59.3% of respondents reported neck pain and 22.8% reported cervical radiculopathy. After adjusting for age and sex, surgeons performing arthroscopy had an odds ratio of 3.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 8.3, P = 0.007) for neck pain. Only five of the surgeons with neck pain and one of the surgeons with cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy had ergonomic evaluations.
Conclusion:
Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy are common among orthopaedic surgeons. Associated factors included older age, higher stress levels, and performing arthroscopy. Cervical injuries are rarely reported, and ergonomic workplace evaluations are infrequent.
