An analysis of the ergonomic risk of surgical trainees and experienced surgeons during laparoscopic procedures

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal injuries have been increasingly recognized to affect surgeons. It is unknown whether such injuries also affect surgical trainees. The purpose of this study was to assess the ergonomic risk of surgical trainees as compared with that of experienced surgeons.MethodsErgonomic data were recorded from 9 surgeons and 11 trainees. Biomechanical loads during surgery were assessed using motion tracking sensors and electromyography sensors. Demanding and static positions of the trunk, neck, right/left shoulder, as well as activity from the deltoid and trapezius muscles bilaterally were recorded. In addition, participants reported their perceived discomfort on validated questionnaires.ResultsA total of 87 laparoscopic general surgery cases (48 attendings and 39 trainees) were observed. Both trainees and attendings spent a similarly high percentage of each case in static (>60%) and demanding positions (>5%). Even though residents reported overall more discomfort, all participants shared similar ergonomic risk with the exception of trainees’ trunk being more static (odds ratio: –11.42, P = .006).ConclusionSurgeons are prone to ergonomic risk. Trainees are exposed to similar postural ergonomic risk as surgeons but report more discomfort and, given that musculoskeletal injuries are cumulative over time, the focus should be on interventions to reduce ergonomic risk in the operating room.