Prevalence and Impact of Musculoskeletal Occupational Injuries among Orthopedic Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study

Occupational musculoskeletal injuries (MSOI) are a significant concern among orthopedic surgeons due to the demanding nature of their profession. Existing guidelines for ergonomic practices often face implementation challenges, resulting in heightened injury prevalence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of MSOI among orthopedic surgeons, focusing on their impact on surgical practice and overall well-being.

A cross-sectional survey invited 5000 orthopedic surgeons, of whom 15.84% (n = 792) successfully participated. Data included demographic information, work practices, subspecialties, and injury patterns. Injury severity and response were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Respondents were predominantly male (98.9%) with a mean age of 31.4 years. The majority (84.1%) were early career surgeons (<5 years of practice), and 73.8% worked in teaching institutions. Weekly surgical load varied, with 39.8% operating <12 h and 21.6% operating >36 h. Injuries predominantly affected the lower back (58%) and neck (47.7%), with an average involvement of 2.4 regions per surgeon. Despite 85.2% reporting injuries, only 13.6% sought treatment, primarily physiotherapy. Work absenteeism was reported by 6.8%, while 17% reduced surgical load for recovery. Notably, 37.5% perceived a lasting impact on career performance.

MSOI among orthopedic surgeons is prevalent and significantly affects surgical practice and daily activities. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve ergonomic awareness and reduce occupational risks.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-025-01402-9.