Evaluation of the Ergonomics of Surgical Instruments Across Surgical Specialties: Responses From 459 Surgeons

BackgroundThe ergonomic design of surgical instruments plays a pivotal role in the efficiency, safety, and comfort of surgeons. Studies confirm that poorly designed instruments can lead to physical discomfort, premature fatigue, and decreased dexterity. This study aims to assess the current usability of surgical instruments to identify problematic designs and highlight areas for ergonomic improvements.MethodsAn anonymized online questionnaire with 18 questions was distributed via email to various surgical societies, professional associations, and the mailing lists of surgical departments at the University Hospital Leipzig. Data on gender, glove size, clinical background, surgical subspecialty, and experience were collected. Participants were asked about physical discomfort, fatigue, precision, and safety issues when using surgical instruments and devices.ResultsA total of 459 surgeons participated, most of whom specialized in orthopedics and trauma surgery (81.48%). Gender differences were noted in glove sizes and frequency of complaints. Women reported significantly more difficulties, such as fatigue and imprecise handling, compared to men. Overall, 88.1% of women and 59.9% of men considered the development of ergonomic instruments important. Only 13% had experience using ergonomic instruments, with nearly half of the participants reporting significant improvements.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that surgical instruments with inadequate ergonomics, particularly for users with smaller glove sizes, result in physical strain, fatigue, and reduced precision. The findings underscore the necessity for ergonomic modifications to meet the physical requirements of surgeons, ensuring a more efficient and safer surgical workflow.