Prevalence and Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Complaints among Endoscopists

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroenterologists spend considerable time performing endosᴄopicprocedures that necessitate repetitive motions. The number of endoscopic proᴄeduresperformed by gastroenterologists has increased significantly in the past 20 years.Among physicians, endoscopists faces increased risk for work-related musculoskeletaldisorders (WMSDs) compared to other physiᴄians who are not performing thisprocedure. Aim of work: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) symptoms among the endoscopists and their assistants who are working inMenofia University, Teaching and General hospitals in Menoufia governorate - Egyptand to determine their risk factors. Also, to study the effects of MSDs on their workand daily activities. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study wasdone using a predesigned questionnaire to assess the musculoskeletal disorders amonggastrointestinal endoscopists who were compared with other physicians not performinginterventional procedures.Results: The present study showed that musculoskeletalcomplaints were more evident among endoscopists, e.g., neck, shoulder, wrist, andnon-dominant thumb pain showed a statistically significant difference when comparedto the control group (26.1%, 68.7%, 30.4%, 52.2%, 56.5%), respectively, compared to(15%, 17%, 19%, 10%, and 0%) respectively (p 10 years (OR=5.82; 95%CI: 2.37-14.28), number of operations >3 /day (OR=4.53;95% CI: 2.03-10.09), durationof single operation > half an hour (OR=3.80; 95% CI: 1.60-9.04) and the single handintubation technique (OR=8.0;95% CI: 3.10-20.62). Conclusion: The performance  of endoscopy puts the physicians at risk of biomechanical injury. Education of theendosᴄopists toward correct ergonomic practices, the spacing between procedures isrequired to improve the endoscopists’ quality of life.