An Objective Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Surgeons in Real Time While Performing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Surgical Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• High prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms reported in surgeons.
• Real-time ergonomic risk assessment in operating rooms is challenging due to practical limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess postural ergonomic risk using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) in otolaryngologists during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).
• To provide real-time, objective data on ergonomic risks in the operating theatre.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational, multi-centric study involving 10 surgeons performing FESS.
• Intraoperative measurement of spinal, shoulder, and elbow movements using an orientation sensor-based motion analysis system (Noraxon myomotion).
• Calculation of RULA scores based on collected motion analysis data.

Main Results:

• Surgeons frequently adopted awkward spinal and upper extremity postures during FESS.
• All participating surgeons exceeded acceptable RULA scores (1 or 2).
• Mean RULA scores ranged from 6-7, indicating high physical ergonomic risk.

Conclusions:

• The physical ergonomic risk for surgeons performing FESS is significantly high.
• Urgent attention to the working environment and surgical practices is required to mitigate these risks.
• Implementing ergonomic interventions is crucial for the long-term health of FESS surgeons.