Endocrine surgeons have high rates of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injury and symptoms
Megan J Jensen1, Nitin A Pagedar1, Sonia L Sugg2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Background:
Work-related injury and musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms are common among surgeons, however data for endocrine surgeons (ES) are lacking.
Methods:
A survey was distributed to American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) and Endocrine section of American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members.
Results:
MSK symptoms were present in 199 (90%) of 220 respondents, most notably pain (91%) and stiffness (81%). The most common locations were neck (87%) and shoulders (55%). Women were more likely to be symptomatic (98.6% versus 86.4%, p = 0.004). Although 67% of respondents reported awareness of ergonomic principles, only 19% had learned about them during training. The most common ergonomic adjustments were stretching, use of microbreaks and headlight/loupe adjustments.
Conclusion:
The vast majority of ES surgeons suffer MSK symptoms that could potentially impact their quality of life and career length. Effective strategies are needed to protect this highly trained workforce.
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