Reduction of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Plastic Surgeons by Introduction of a Posture Training Device

Plastic surgeons have an increased risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorders because of frequent poor ergonomics of the operating room. This study characterizes selected plastic surgery procedures, with an attempt to identify high-risk procedures and procedural components as well as the impact of biofeedback on surgical ergonomics.

A commercially available posture training device was used to initially record neck and spine positioning and later to send biofeedback to prompt surgeons to correct posture. Device data were correlated with in-person observations to characterize factors associated with more time spent in the slouched/nonneutral cervical and thoracic spine posture.

The proportion of time spent in the upright position during surgery was significantly different among male and female participants, level of training, participant height, in the sitting versus nonsitting positioning (P < 0.001), with loupes use, and if there was more than an 8-inch height difference between 2 participants (mean, 0.70 ± 0.285). Using the device intervention, all participants spent a larger proportion of operating time upright. Half of these improvements in posture were statistically significant. While in feedback mode, participants experienced shorter and more frequent periods of slouching/nonneutral posture. When comparing the same participant performing the same procedure with and without device biofeedback, 72.2% of participants spent more time in the upright/neutral posture during the surgery when the device was sending feedback.

Biofeedback devices used in the operating room can lead to improved surgical posture, which may translate to reduction of workplace injuries, and overall physician health. This study found that a commercially available posture training device and sitting stools in the operating room could significantly improve physician cervical and thoracic spine posture.