Nordic Questionnaire Use in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injury Surveys Among Surgeons

To evaluate how the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) is modified in studies of surgeons and to identify additional variables associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) injury, with the goal of informing a more standardized survey tool.

Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched for relevant studies published from 2000 to 2023.

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they utilized a modified NMQ to assess MSK symptoms among surgeons or proceduralists. Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews were excluded. Three reviewers independently screened articles using Rayyan. Data were extracted on questionnaire content, demographics, lifestyle factors, and occupational variables.

Of 1822 studies screened, 26 met the inclusion criteria. All assessed neck pain using a modified NMQ; other regions were inconsistently included. Frequently assessed supplemental factors included exercise habits, impact of pain on daily life, length of practice, specialty, and work hours. Common demographic variables were gender, age, and training level. Lifestyle factors such as sleep and substance use were rarely assessed. Studies using modified NMQs were more likely to include detailed anatomical and behavioral data.

The use of inconsistent modifications to the NMQ limits comparability across studies. A standardized survey incorporating key ergonomic, occupational, and lifestyle elements could improve the study of MSK pain in surgeons and inform targeted interventions.

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