Ergonomics Among Craniofacial Surgeons: A Survey of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Injury

Surgical procedures with loupe magnification, headlights, and microscopes expose craniofacial surgeons to mechanical stress that can increase risk of long-term musculoskeletal pain and injury. Identifying the prevalence and cause of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort may guide preventative strategies to prolong well-being, job satisfaction, and greater duration of surgical careers.

A 29-question online survey was distributed to the surgeon members of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. Eight hundred seventy-three surveys were distributed, and the anonymous responses were recorded using Google forms.

One hundred ninety-six unique responses were recorded (22.5% response rate). A total of 64.2% reported experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms during their career, with neck, lower back, and shoulders being the most common problem areas. Multivariate analysis demonstrated surgical loupes (odds ratio 2.36, P = 0.03) and length of surgical practice >15 years (odds ratio 1.95, P = 0.04) were independently associated with greater odds of developing symptoms. Headlights (median pain = 3, P < 0.001), loupes (median pain = 3.5, P < 0.001), and operative microscope use (median pain = 2, P = 0.02) were all associated with higher pain while operating. A total of 52.5% respondents sought medical treatments, 50.5% were concerned musculoskeletal discomfort would affect their careers, 56.6% reported a colleague that required an operation, and 30.2% reported a colleague on temporary or permanent disability.

Craniofacial surgery often involves long procedures, use of surgical adjuncts, and ergonomically straining postures, which can lead to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury. This under-reported and important phenomenon merits candid conversation and active preventative strategies to prolong surgical careers, improve professional satisfaction, and maximize patient safety.