Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Spine Surgeons

• DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e31821cd140
• Publication Date: 2011-04-20T06:52:40Z
• Authors: Joshua D. Auerbach; Zachary D. Weidner; Andrew H. Milby; Mohammad Diab; Baron S. Lonner
• Keywords: Neck pain; Back Pain

Survey of surgeon members the Scoliosis Research Society.To assess prevalence musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among spine surgeons.Spinal deformity surgery is characterized by long duration and repetitive, forceful tasks. The purpose this study to describe type MSDs orthopedic surgeons.A modified version physical discomfort survey was sent Society via standard mail e-mail. A total 3 attempts contact potential respondents were made, with 62% (561/904 × 100) responding. Mean respondent age 54 years. annual caseload 147, which 62 spinal deformity. 84% had an active surgical practice.The most common self-reported diagnoses included neck pain/strain/spasm (38%, 215/561), lumbar disc herniation/radiculopathy (31%, 172/561), cervical (28%, 155/561), rotator cuff disease (24%, 134/561), varicose veins or peripheral edema (20%, 112/561), lateral epicondylitis (18%, 99/561). For disease, 7.1% (40/561 for 4.6% (26/561 surgeons underwent surgery. Among surgeons, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that correlated pain (P = 0.01) lower extremity 0.03), while number cases wrist 0.003) hand 0.03). Age shoulder elbow 0.04), 0.02). Number years in practice did not correlate MSDs.Compared estimates general population, have a higher MSDs. Our cohort intervention (7.1%) (4.6%) at rates far exceeding population. Increased awareness may lead earlier treatment and, ultimately, enhanced preventive measures.