The Prevalence of Burnout in Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Surgeons

To evaluate the level of burnout among international limb reconstruction surgeons.

Burnout describes chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Limb reconstruction surgeons may be particularly at risk for burnout. The development of necessary skills and expertise has a steep learning curve and the patients are among the most complex in orthopaedics, with multiple failed surgeries and high complication rates.

An internet-based REDCap survey consisted of demographic questions, four open-ended questions, and two valid, reliable measures: (1) Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4)-a screening tool for anxiety and depression, and (2) The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS-MP) which measures levels of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and low personal achievement. The surveys were distributed to international limb reconstruction surgeons. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive and non-parametric analysis: Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

There were 103 surgeon responses from at least one country of each of the six populated continents. Eighty-three percent of the respondents were male. The career level distribution was early (1-10 years' experience) = 51%, mid (11-20 years' experience) = 30%, and late (>20 years' experience) = 20%. Twenty-four percent stated they were currently being treated or had been treated in the past for mood or anxiety or both with medication or counselling. Based on the MBI-HSS-MP scores, 38% of limb reconstruction surgeons displayed burnout symptoms, and 16% exhibited severe burnout. The mid-career had the highest levels of overall burnout; there was no statistical significance between the groups. The PHQ-4 scores were within normal limits.

In this study sample, 38% displayed burnout symptoms and 16% exhibited severe burnout. The mid-career group had the highest level of burnout.

Unmanaged burnout can lead to major depression or suicidal ideation, or both. Support systems for limb reconstruction surgeons need to be developed and maintained.

Iobst C, Tulchin-Francis K, Richard HM. The Prevalence of Burnout in Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Surgeons. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2024;19(2):67-72.