Impact of Online Ergonomic Education on Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Minimally Invasive Surgeons

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among minimally invasive surgeons, with increased rates of pain primarily in the upper body. This study aims to evaluate the impact of online ergonomic education modules on the rate of MSDs among minimally invasive surgeons.

Minimally invasive surgeons from nine surgical subspecialties at a single institution were recruited to participate in February 2024. The initial survey identified demographics and MSD prevalence. One month later, in March 2024, participants received online ergonomic modules, followed by a secondary survey in April 2024.

A total of 23 out of 75 minimally invasive focused surgeons (30.7%) from seven surgical subspecialties participated in the initial survey: 12 males (52.2%), mean age 45 y, 11.4 mean years in practice, and practice breakdowns of 45.6% robotic, 37% laparoscopic, 31.1% open, and 29.5% natural orifice surgery. 65.2% of surgeons reported MSDs most commonly in the shoulder (65.1%) and upper back (59.1%). Among participants, 47.8% of surgeons had not received prior ergonomic education or implemented ergonomic change in the operating room. Six surgeons (26.1%) participated in the secondary survey, representing five subspecialties. There was no significant change in MSD rates for these surgeons (66.7% premodules versus 66.7% postmodules). In total, 66.7% surgeons made immediate ergonomic changes after the modules, and 100% reported they would endorse the modules to colleagues.

Minimally invasive surgeons experience high prevalence of MSDs. Although the online modules did not significantly reduce MSD rates immediately, surgeons did implement ergonomic modifications and unanimously recommended the modules. This emphasizes the need for broad and recurrent ergonomic initiatives for long-term benefit.