The Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Indian Orthodontists - An Ergonomic Study

Orthodontics is a specialized profession of dentistry which is truly rewarding for the orthodontic professionals but not without some ill consequences. This study is aimed to estimate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in different anatomic locations among orthodontists of India and provide a starting point to direct ergonomic interventions among the professionals.

This study was conducted among 150 orthodontists. A close-ended structured questionnaire had been formed, modifying the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. For observation of dental work station, a check list was prepared for the estimation of the work posture of the orthodontists. To determine the risk zone of the participant orthodontists, rapid upper limb assessment was also done. Different interventions like short break, posture change, hip bridge exercise, neck muscles, wrist strengthening, and fingers and thumbs strengthening exercises were given after assessment of the risk zone of the orthodontists.

From the findings, it was evident that maximum orthodontists felt pain occasionally in the region of upper back (86.7%), followed by neck and low back (53.3% each). Maximum pain was felt (often) in the region of shoulder which consists of 30%. After application of interventions in the specific population, the findings showed that the overall frequency of pain had been improved.

Orthodontists should perform exercises regularly, should get frequent breaks during work, and should obtain correct posture in their work station, all of which increase their efficiency and will also prolong their orthodontic careers.