A Survey on Endoscopy-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Japanese Endoscopists Focused on Injury Sites and Risk Factors.

Purpose: Endoscopy examinations require complex and repetitive maneuvers that can put a strain on the musculoskeletal system, and there have been recent reports on endoscopy-related injuries (ERI). A survey was carried out with a focus on sites of injuries and risk factors for Japanese endoscopists.

Methods: A 29-item web survey including non-identifiable demographic data, practice information, ERI, usability of endoscopes and ergonomics practice was carried out for Japanese endoscopists. ERI were defined as past or present endoscopy-related muscle and joint disorders including pain, discomfort, movement restriction, and numbness.

Results: Data for 352 endoscopists were analyzed after excluding 49 endoscopists who had injuries not related to endoscopy. The incidences of ERI were 55.6% (150/270) in males and 61.0% (50/82) in females (not significant). The age of the endoscopists (≥ 36 years) and total number of endoscopy procedures per week (≥ 28) were found to be significant factors associated with ERI. Risk factors for hand injuries were total number of endoscopy procedures per week (≥ 28) and glove size (≥ size 7) for males and age (≥ 36 years) for females. The height (≥ 172 cm) was associated with neck injuries in male endoscopists. Also, number of ERCP procedures per week (≥ 1) in males and age (≥ 36 years) in females were risks for lower back injuries.

Conclusion: ERI occurred at a high rate among Japanese endoscopists by a self-reporting survey. It is necessary to clarify the relationships between the site of injury and risk factors and take preventive measures.