Stretching and Strength Training to Improve Postural Ergonomics and Endurance in the Operating Room

Plastic surgeons report the highest prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue among surgical subspecialties. Musculoskeletal pain impacts daily life, career longevity, and economic burden secondary to occupational injury. Poor postural awareness and ergonomic set up in the operating room represent the most common etiology.

A literature review was performed to highlight the ergonomic set-up, postural pitfalls, occupational injuries, and musculoskeletal pain in the operating room. An institutional survey was administered among resident and attending surgeons regarding musculoskeletal pain, posture, ergonomic education, and future improvements. Literature results, survey data, and intraoperative photographs were analyzed in collaboration with physical therapists and personal trainers.

Survey results demonstrated that 97% of resident and attending respondents experienced musculoskeletal pain and 83% reported a lack of education in posture and ergonomics. The main postural pitfalls included head forward and flexed positioning, abduction and internal arm rotation, and kyphosis of the thoracic spine. The collaborators developed instructional videos to assess posture and biomechanics and demonstrate targeted stretching and strength exercises to address specific neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Poor posture is unavoidable in the operating room at times. These educational videos should be utilized for self-motivated and prophylactic conditioning outside of the operating room to maintain physical well-being throughout a career in plastic surgery. Future focus should be aimed at implementing dedicated ergonomic education and physical wellness programs early in surgical resident training.