Integrating anthropometric accommodation testing and trainee feedback to evaluate sex-based differences in surgical ergonomics and musculoskeletal pain

Q3 Medicine

Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Pub Date : 2025-06-01 DOI:10.1016/j.otot.2025.05.007

Sarah Gao BA , Eric J. Formeister MD, MS , Oren Wei BS , Lekha Yesantharao MD , Henry H. Joo BS , John Pentikis PhD , John P. Carey MD , Deepa Galaiya MD

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Surgical equipment, historically designed to accommodate male body proportions, may contribute to ergonomic strain among female otolaryngologists. To assess these disparities, we evaluated the ergonomic accommodation of surgical stools and tables at our institution by comparing them to anthropometric databases representative of the U.S. population. Additionally, a 40-question survey was distributed to otolaryngology trainees at the same institution to assess musculoskeletal pain patterns and perceived ergonomic risks. Our findings indicate that standard operative equipment is less accommodating to the average female stature, potentially disadvantaging female trainees in otolaryngology and exacerbating musculoskeletal (MSK) strain. Moreover, most trainees reported experiencing pain in the neck, lower back, and shoulders, with many indicating a limited understanding of ergonomic principles. Greater emphasis on surgical ergonomics, including equipment design modifications and formal ergonomics curricula, is needed to reduce the risk of injury and improve surgeon longevity.

查看原文本刊更多论文

整合人体测量适应性测试和受训者反馈，以评估手术人体工程学和肌肉骨骼疼痛的性别差异

手术设备，历史上设计以适应男性的身体比例，可能有助于女性耳鼻喉科医生的人体工程学紧张。为了评估这些差异，我们通过与美国人口的人体测量数据库进行比较，评估了我院手术凳和手术台的人体工程学适应性。此外，还向同一机构的耳鼻喉科学员分发了一份包含40个问题的调查，以评估肌肉骨骼疼痛模式和感知的人体工程学风险。我们的研究结果表明，标准的手术设备不太适合女性的平均身材，潜在地不利于女性耳鼻喉科学员，并加剧肌肉骨骼（MSK）劳损。此外，大多数学员报告颈部、下背部和肩部疼痛，许多人表示对人体工程学原理的理解有限。需要更加重视手术人体工程学，包括设备设计修改和正式的人体工程学课程，以减少受伤风险并延长外科医生的寿命。

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来源期刊

Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Medicine-Otorhinolaryngology

CiteScore

0.70

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

43 days

期刊介绍： This large-size, atlas-format journal presents detailed illustrations of new surgical procedures and techniques in otology, rhinology, laryngology, reconstructive head and neck surgery, and facial plastic surgery. Feature articles in each issue are related to a central theme by anatomic area or disease process. The journal will also often contain articles on complications, diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation. New techniques that are non-operative are also featured.