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Musculoskeletal Pain in Surgeons on Operating Days
Alexandria Panuccio1, Thomas Webb2, Yilan Jiangliu1
1Department of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
The American Surgeon
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Surgeon workload significantly increases musculoskeletal pain across most body regions during operating days. Addressing workload and optimizing surgical approaches can help reduce surgeon pain.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Surgical Outcomes
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is prevalent among surgeons.
- Factors contributing to MSK pain in surgeons are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between workload, surgical factors, and MSK pain in surgeons.
- To identify key contributors to MSK pain experienced by surgeons during operating days.
Main Methods:
- Surveys collected data on surgeon demographics, exercise, workload (NASA-TLX), and pain scores.
- Operating room registry provided data on case length and surgical approach (robotic, laparoscopic/endoscopic).
- Statistical analysis examined the independent association of variables with pain scores in 12 body regions.
Main Results:
- Increased workload (NASA-TLX) correlated with increased pain in multiple body regions, including neck, hands, back, hips, legs, and feet.
- Longer operative case lengths were associated with increased neck and upper back pain.
- Robotic surgery was linked to increased wrist and lower back pain, while laparoscopic/endoscopic surgery was associated with upper back pain.
Conclusions:
- Surgeon workload is the primary driver of MSK pain during surgical procedures.
- Surgical case length and approach also contribute to MSK pain in specific body regions.
- Implementing targeted ergonomic interventions may alleviate the burden of MSK pain for surgeons.
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