1. Surgical ergonomics: Assessment of surgeon posture and impact of training device during otolaryngology procedures.
- Author
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Leung, Karen L., Segal, Rachel M., Bernstein, Jeffrey D., Orosco, Ryan K., and Reid, Chris M.
- Subjects
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POSTURE , *ERGONOMICS , *OTOLARYNGOLOGY , *SURGEONS , *SHORT stature , *SITTING position - Abstract
Objective: To identify factors associated with cervical‐thoracic spine posture in otolaryngology surgeries and evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available posture‐training device in enhancing surgeon ergonomics. Methods: Over 3 months, neck and spine posture from individuals performing otolaryngology surgeries was recorded using UpRight Go 2™. Average baseline posture was first recorded and biofeedback was later introduced to attempt to correct posture. The proportion of time spent in upright/neutral cervical‐thoracic spine posture was correlated with surgeon and procedure characteristics and compared to proportion of upright posture time after biofeedback intervention. Results: The proportion of upright operating time was significantly different between procedure subtypes and surgical approaches with best performance in rhinology procedures and worst performance in head and neck surgeries (90% vs. 62%; both p <.001). Female gender, shorter stature, and use of sitting stools were associated with greater proportion of surgery spent upright (all p <.05). Loupes use was associated with less time in upright posture (p <.001). With biofeedback intervention, 8 of 10 subjects demonstrated an average of 5% improvement in operating upright, with most improvement found when performing laryngology procedures (7%) and least improvement in head and neck procedures (2%). Conclusions: While surgeon posture varies across otolaryngology surgeries, sitting and minimizing the use of loupes may help promote a more ergonomic operating environment and improve surgeon posture. Although the efficacy of biofeedback intervention from a commercially available posture‐training device differs among otolaryngologists, exploration of alternative interventions and incorporation of an ergonomics curriculum is warranted to address postural issues experienced by many surgeons. Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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