Ergonomics in Office‐Based Surgery: A Survey‐Guided Observational Study

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery Vol. 33; no. 11; pp. 1304 - 1314
• Main Authors: ESSER, ADAM C., KOSHY, JAMES G., RANDLE, HENRY W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.11.2007; by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc; Blackwell
• Subjects: Adult; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Asthenopia - prevention & control; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Edema - prevention & control; Ergonomics - methods; Female; Headache - prevention & control; Humans; Low Back Pain - prevention & control; Male; Medical sciences; Minnesota; Mohs Surgery - methods; Musculoskeletal Diseases - prevention & control; Neck Pain - prevention & control; Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Physicians; Physicians' Offices; Population Surveillance; Posture; Shoulder Pain - prevention & control; Skin plastic surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Videotape Recording; Office; Guidance; Survey; Treatment; Ergonomics; Surveillance; Dermatology; Surgery
• ISSN: 1076-0512; 1524-4725
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33281.x

BACKGROUND The practice of office‐based surgery is increasing in many specialties. OBJECTIVE Using Mohs surgery as a model, we investigated the role of ergonomics in office‐based surgery to limit work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS All Mayo Clinic surgeons currently performing Mohs surgery and Mohs surgeons trained at Mayo Clinic between 1990 and 2004 received a questionnaire survey between May 2003 and September 2004. A sample of respondents were videotaped during surgery. The main outcome measures were survey responses and an ergonomist's identification of potential causes of musculoskeletal disorders. RESULTS All 17 surgeons surveyed responded. Those surveyed spend a mean of 24 hours per week in surgery. Sixteen said they had symptoms caused by or made worse by performing surgery. Symptom onset occurred on average at age 35.4 years. The most common complaints were pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back and headaches. Videotapes of 6 surgeons revealed problems with operating room setup, awkward posture, forceful exertion, poor positioning, lighting, and duration of procedures. CONCLUSION Symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries are common and may begin early in a physician's career. Modifying footwear, flooring, table height, operating position, lighting, and surgical instruments may improve the ergonomics of office‐based surgery.