A Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic study led by Kade McQuivey, MD, found that 97 percent of orthopedic surgery residents experience procedural-related musculoskeletal pain.
Six notes:
1. A survey sent to 78 orthopedic surgery resident program directors was distributed to residents within their programs. The survey included three main sections: symptoms by body part; attitudes/beliefs/behaviors regarding surgical ergonomics; and demographics.
2. Average pain scores of all residents was 3.52/10.
3. Notable levels of musculoskeletal pain (≥4/10) were most common in the lower back (35 percent), neck (29.7 percent) and feet (25.7 percent).
4. Researchers found musculoskeletal pain affected resident behaviors, including over-the-counter medication use, stamina, concentration and degree of irritability.
5. Results of the study highlight the importance of limiting compromising procedural positions and increasing the awareness of ergonomics among residents.
6. Seventy-six orthopedic residents completed the survey — 72 percent were men and 28 percent were women.
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