Damaging Noise Levels Are Seen in Arthroscopic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Audiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Arthroscopic surgeries are common procedures.
• Surgeons may be exposed to noise during these operations.
• The risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in surgeons is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess noise levels during arthroscopic shoulder, hip, and knee surgeries.
• To compare noise exposure between different arthroscopic procedures.
• To analyze noise levels in specific knee procedures like meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of prospectively collected intraoperative audio measurements (March 2021-February 2023).
• Analysis of metrics including maximum decibel level (MDL), time-weighted average (TWA), dose, and projected dose.
• Comparison of noise levels across hip, shoulder, and knee arthroscopies.

Main Results:

• Maximum decibel levels exceeded 85 dB in all procedures, with shoulder procedures showing the highest MDL (117.5 dB).
• Time-weighted averages remained below 85 dB for all procedures.
• Hip procedures showed a trend towards higher noise levels compared to shoulder and knee procedures.

Conclusions:

• While time-weighted averages are below high-risk thresholds, maximum decibel levels frequently exceed 85 dB, indicating potential harm.
• Cumulative noise exposure during arthroscopic procedures poses a risk for noise-induced hearing loss in high-volume surgeons.
• Further research and protective measures may be warranted.