Musculoskeletal Occupational Injuries among Orthopedic Surgeons: Risk Factors and Insights from a Cross-Sectional...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Orthopedic surgeons face high rates of musculoskeletal occupational injuries (MSOI) due to the physically demanding nature of their work.
• These injuries can impact surgeons' health, productivity, and career longevity.
• Understanding risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key risk factors contributing to MSOI among orthopedic surgeons in Tamil Nadu.
• To evaluate the impact of these risk factors on career longevity and surgical practice.
• To explore preventive measures for mitigating MSOI severity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 5000 orthopedic surgeons, with 792 participants responding.
• Data collected included demographics, practice characteristics, injury prevalence, and severity.
• Statistical analysis was performed to associate risk factors with MSOI severity.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations found between MSOI severity and factors such as weight, years in practice, multiple subspecialties, operating position, lack of visual aids, and lead apron use.
• The lower back (58%) and neck (47.7%) were the most commonly affected areas.
• Only 13.6% of injured surgeons sought treatment, primarily physiotherapy.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of MSOI among Indian orthopedic surgeons is high, influenced by professional demands and ergonomic challenges.
• Targeted interventions, including ergonomic modifications, awareness campaigns, and weight management, are vital.
• These measures are essential for reducing injury rates and supporting surgeon well-being.