Comparison of Ergonomics in Vitreoretinal Surgery With Heads-up Visualization Versus the Standard Operating...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Standard operating microscopes (SOM) are traditionally used in vitreoretinal surgery.
• Three-dimensional heads-up display (HUD) systems offer an alternative visualization method.
• Surgeon posture and associated musculoskeletal strain are significant concerns in this field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess and compare the ergonomic posture of vitreoretinal surgeons using HUD systems versus SOM.
• To determine if HUD technology influences surgeon posture during complex eye surgeries.

Main Methods:

• Ergonomic data was collected from 64 vitreoretinal surgeries across two centers.
• Surgeons utilized an Upright Go 2 posture training device.
• Posture was analyzed during operations using either the NGENUITY 3D HUD system or SOM.

Main Results:

• Surgeons using HUD spent a significantly higher percentage of time in an upright posture (median 100%) compared to those using SOM (median 60.0%).
• This improvement in upright posture with HUD was consistent across most surgeons and remained statistically significant after accounting for surgery length.
• The difference in upright posture time between HUD and SOM was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The use of 3D HUD systems in vitreoretinal surgery leads to improved surgeon ergonomic positioning.
• Wider adoption of HUD technology could potentially mitigate work-related musculoskeletal pain and disability among vitreoretinal surgeons.
• HUD systems represent a promising advancement for surgeon well-being in ophthalmology.