Many physicians will continue to practice in pain instead of acknowledging that they aren’t OK—until it’s too late. —Stephanie Pearson, MD
Explore This Issue
August 2023
For surgeons, the most common injuries include carpal tunnel issues, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and back, neck, and arm issues. Dr. Pearson emphasized that women are at greater risk of suffering disability than men, and additional factors include surgical instruments that are not designed for the smaller-sized hands of most female surgeons and are designed for right-handed surgeons. Additional risks include the heavy lead vests and poor stools used in ORs.
“I hope that with increased awareness and prevention, these disabilities will decrease,” said Dr. Pearson. “In the meantime, it’s important to secure quality disability insurance early in your career to protect yourself from such an event. Part of obtaining coverage involves medical underwriting. Body parts will be excluded from coverage if you already have imaging with changes or subjective complaints with or without treatment. The goal is to have head-to-toe coverage if years of wear and tear take their toll.”
Geeta Lal, MD
Dr. Lal’s keynote highlighted relevant data, research, and compelling perspectives on risks to surgeons, particularly the increased risk of injury for female surgeons. Otolaryngologists are at high risk of MSK injury partly due to using headlamps and loupes, maintaining a fixed position for prolonged periods for endoscopic sinus surgeries, using binocular microscopes, and performing a high number of procedures that require excessive neck flexion.
Susan Hallbeck, PhD, a professor of healthcare systems engineering and a consultant in both surgery and healthcare delivery research at the Mayo Clinic, has shown that the OR stretch results in better physical performance, increased mental focus, decreased pain and discomfort, and decreased fatigue when used routinely.
I hope this article increases your awareness of ergonomics, and I wish you a healthy and lengthy career without pain, discomfort, or disability.
Dr. Wei is chair of otolaryngology education for the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. She is also an associate editor on the ENTtoday editorial advisory board.