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Intraoperative stretching microbreaks reduce surgery-related musculoskeletal pain in otolaryngologists
Amir Elzomor1, Alexandra Tunkel1, Esther Lee1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine the role intraoperative otolaryngology stretching microbreak (OSMB) has on musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and discomfort in otolaryngologists.
Background:
Otolaryngology procedures subject surgeons to significant amounts of pain and strain over their years of training. MSK pain is a serious concern for otolaryngologists' career longevity as well as their general wellbeing.
Methods:
Participants from two different hospitals and one private practice were recruited to participate in this study. An initial ergonomic survey was obtained to assess baseline MSK pain, and its subjective impact on operative performance. The participants then completed three control days without OSMB exercises, followed by three intervention days with OSMB exercises which were completed at 20-40 minute intervals. Preoperative and postoperative pain rating surveys were completed before and after each procedure and at the end of the day to determine changes in pain and/or discomfort.
Results:
Ten otolaryngologists (50 % men, 50 % women; mean age 35.6 years) participated in this study. Half of the participants indicated that they were concerned their pain would limit their ability to operate in the future. 70 % of participants indicated that they have not attempted to treat this pain and 60 % did not try any stretching exercises outside the operating room (OR) to mitigate their symptoms. Participants reported neck, upper back, and lower back to be the primary MSK discomfort. OSMB improved participants' pain scores in neck, shoulders, hands, and lower back pain (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
MSK pain has shown to be a serious concern for the ability of otolaryngologists to continue performing surgery in the future. OSMB may be an effective strategy that can be implemented by otolaryngologists intraoperatively to improve MSK pain and overall well being.
Insights
Otolaryngologists experiencing musculoskeletal pain can find relief with intraoperative stretching microbreaks (OSMB). These exercises significantly reduced pain in the neck, shoulders, hands, and lower back, improving surgeon well-being.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Surgical Innovation
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Otolaryngology surgeons face significant musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and strain during procedures.
- MSK pain impacts surgeon career longevity and overall well-being.
- Many surgeons do not actively manage or treat their work-related pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of intraoperative otolaryngology stretching microbreaks (OSMB) in alleviating MSK pain.
- To assess the impact of OSMB on surgeon discomfort and operative performance.
- To provide evidence for implementing ergonomic interventions in otolaryngology practice.
Main Methods:
- A study involving ten otolaryngologists from diverse practice settings.
- Baseline ergonomic assessment of MSK pain and its effect on performance.
- Comparison of three control days (no OSMB) versus three intervention days (OSMB every 20-40 minutes).
- Pain ratings collected pre- and post-procedure and daily to track changes.
Main Results:
- Participants reported neck, upper back, and lower back as primary areas of MSK discomfort.
- Intraoperative otolaryngology stretching microbreaks (OSMB) led to significant pain reduction in the neck, shoulders, hands, and lower back (p < 0.05).
- Half of participants worried about future operative limitations due to pain, yet most had not sought treatment or used external stretches.
Conclusions:
- Musculoskeletal pain is a critical issue affecting otolaryngologists' surgical careers.
- Intraoperative otolaryngology stretching microbreaks (OSMB) offer a viable, effective strategy for managing MSK pain.
- OSMB can enhance surgeon well-being and potentially extend career longevity in otolaryngology.
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