How to prolong an otologist’s career? A practical guide to ergonomics

Q3 Medicine

Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Pub Date : 2025-06-01 DOI:10.1016/j.otot.2025.05.009

Ksenia A. Aaron MD , Alicia Beth MD , John Vaughan MD , Yona Vaisbuch MD

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Otologist-neurotologists use microscopes daily, often requiring the surgeon to be seated in a stationary position for a prolonged time frame, leading to muscular stasis and inactivity. Recent literature in surgery, as well as in the field of otolaryngology specifically, found that repetitive postures and routine microscope use were the first and the second most common causes of pain respectively. Other studies revealed that otologists had a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms due to their frequent use of a microscope and ergonomic flaws encountered during surgery. To improve compliance with ergonomic principles there is a need for a practical guide. In this manuscript, we pinpoint sources of poor ergonomics in otology and present solutions to common mistakes. We propose practical considerations for optimal room setting, furniture adjustment, and correct body posture during procedures. Furthermore, we propose minibreaks and a home exercise program to assure that the results are sustainable and long lasting.

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如何延长耳科医生的职业生涯？人体工程学实用指南

耳科-神经科医生每天都使用显微镜，通常要求外科医生长时间保持静止，导致肌肉停滞和不活动。最近在外科以及耳鼻喉科领域的文献发现，重复性的姿势和常规的显微镜使用分别是引起疼痛的第一和第二常见原因。其他研究表明，由于耳科医生经常使用显微镜和手术中遇到的人体工程学缺陷，他们有很高的患病率与工作相关的肌肉骨骼症状。为了提高对人体工程学原则的遵从性，需要一个实用的指南。在这篇手稿中，我们指出了耳科中不良人体工程学的来源，并提出了常见错误的解决方案。我们建议在手术过程中考虑最佳的房间设置、家具调整和正确的身体姿势。此外，我们建议小休息和家庭锻炼计划，以确保结果是可持续的和持久的。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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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.