Use of an Intraoperative Head, Neck, and Back Support Exoskeleton on Surgeons' Pain and Posture.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of an intraoperative exoskeleton that supports surgeons' heads, necks, and backs to reduce neck discomfort.

Summary background data: Surgeons are at a considerable risk of developing neck pain and related injuries. Passive exoskeletons are a potential intervention to support surgeons' body parts and alleviate strain and discomfort.

Methods: The NekSpineTM (a passive neck exoskeleton) was trialed on twelve surgeons (seven male, five female) across six specialties. Each surgeon performed four surgical procedures, two with the NekSpineTM (exoskeleton) and two without (baseline). Exoskeleton and baseline surgeries were paired primarily by surgical procedure and secondarily by duration. Surgeons completed surveys that included the NASA-TLX and usability questions before and after surgical procedures to evaluate body part discomfort, overall fatigue, workload, and potential disruptions to the surgical workflow. Surgeons also wore inertial measurement units (IMUs) to objectively record their upper arms, neck, and torso postures.

Results: Use of the exoskeleton yielded significant decreases in discomfort in the neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, and left arm. Reductions in percent surgical duration in Risk 4 (extreme risk postures) coupled with increases spent in Risk 2 (moderate risk postures) for the neck and torso were noted. Surgeons reported overall favorable usability results with the exoskeleton not interfering with the surgical workflow, and most stated that they would use the exoskeleton again.

Conclusions: The NekSpineTM is a promising intervention to alleviate surgeons' neck discomfort and improve their neck and torso postures.