Surgeons' physical workload in open surgery versus robot-assisted surgery and nonsurgical tasks

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Surgical Technology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent among surgeons, with varying rates across surgical modalities.
• Conflicting data exists on the link between adverse work exposures and MSDs in different surgical fields.
• The impact of healthcare rationalization on surgeons' physical workload remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify the physical workload associated with open surgery.
• Compare the physical workload of open surgery to nonsurgical tasks.
• Compare the physical workload of open surgery to robot-assisted surgery (RAS) roles.

Main Methods:

• Measured physical workload in 22 surgeons (12 open surgery, 10 RAS) using electromyography and inertial measurement units.
• Assessed trapezius muscle activity, head, upper arm, and trunk posture/movement.
• Compared workload data to proposed action levels using mixed-effects models.

Main Results:

• Open surgery occupied over half of the surgical workday and involved more awkward postures than nonsurgical tasks.
• Surgeons in open surgery exhibited higher trapezius muscle activity, less rest time, and more sustained low muscle activity.
• Head inclination and trapezius activity in open surgery surpassed recommended action levels.

Conclusions:

• The physical workload in open surgery exceeds proposed action levels, surpassing that of RAS and nonsurgical tasks.
• Increased operation times in open surgery may heighten physical demands and MSD risk.
• Implementing risk-reducing measures is crucial for open surgeons.