Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Surgeons and Attitudes Towards Wearable Devices for Ergonomic Optimization

To assess the burden of ergonomic strain and to examine factors influencing intention to use wearable technology that may improve ergonomics during surgery.

Surgical ergonomic strain leads to high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and pain, contributing to early surgeon retirement and an epidemic of burnout.

A cross-sectional survey of surgeons at a single institution was conducted using 2 validated instruments, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), assessing musculoskeletal strain and facilitators of wearable sensor use, respectively. Additional survey items examined preferred ergonomic device features. Partial least squares structural equation modeling tested model validity.

One hundred sixty-one participants completed the entire survey. Most respondents were males (63.4%) and were more likely to be from general surgery (26.1%) than from other subspecialties. The majority of surgeons had never received prior ergonomic training (n = 107, 72.3%). Twenty surgeons (14.1%) required hospitalization and 31 (21.8%) surgeons changed operating responsibilities due to musculoskeletal injury with 77 (59.1%) reporting an impact of ergonomic pain on their ability to work as a surgeon. Perceived efficacy (β = 0.190, P = 0.005), social influence (β = 0.135, P = 0.039), hedonic motivation (β = 0.274, P < 0.001), and innovativeness (β = 0.243, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with behavioral intention to use a wearable ergonomic device. The waist (n = 36, 24.3%), followed by the neck/upper back (n = 29, 19.6%), were the most preferred sensor locations.

Surgeons report a high burden of MSDs impacting their ability to work. Wearable sensors that provide feedback on ergonomic strain represent an opportunity to reduce MSDs among surgeons.