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An Objective Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Surgeons in Real Time While Performing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery volume 72, pages 342–349 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

There are increased reports of high prevalence of work related musculoskeletal symptoms in surgeons performing otolaryngology procedures. However, real time ergonomic risk assessment in the OR is difficult due to issues related to sterility, cooperation and acceptance from surgeons. Although such analyses can provide valid risk estimate and guide corrective actions, they are scarce. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the postural ergonomic risk on RULA in otolaryngologists while performing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in OR, in real time. A cross sectional, observational multi-centric study was conducted in tertiary referral hospitals. Spinal, shoulder and elbow movements of 10 surgeons performing FESS were measured intraoperatively using orientation sensor-based, motion-analysis system (Noraxon myomotion). Postural ergonomic risk on RULA was computed using the motion analysis data. RULA is a method of quantifying the physical postural risk of the trunk and upper limb based on the postures adopted by an individual during work. 10 surgeons (9 males and 1 female) with the mean (± SD) age of 38 ± 7.5 years participated in the study. The motion analysis data results indicate that the surgeons often adopt awkward spinal and upper extremity postures during the surgery. All the surgeons scored higher than the acceptable RULA score (1 or 2) with the mean RULA scores being in the range of 6–7. The physical ergonomic risk in surgeons performing FESS is high (> 6 on RULA). There is a need for urgent ergonomic attention to the working environment of FESS surgeon.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Vijay D Patil, Chancellor, D. Y. Patil University for his continuous encouragement and support.

Funding

No funding was obtained for the conduct of the study.

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Affiliations

  1. School of Physiotherapy, D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai, India

    Twinkle Dabholkar, Sujata Yardi & Jyotika Sethi

  2. Department of ENT, School of Medicine, D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai, India

    Yogesh G. Dabholkar

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  1. Twinkle Dabholkar
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  2. Yogesh G. Dabholkar
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  3. Sujata Yardi
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  4. Jyotika Sethi
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Contributions

Study idea and design: Authors 1–3. Data acquisition: Authors 1 & 4. Data analysis: Authors 1–4. Manuscript: Authors 1–4. Critical review of the manuscript: Authors 1–2. Final approval: All authors

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Correspondence to Yogesh G. Dabholkar.

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Dabholkar, T., Dabholkar, Y.G., Yardi, S. et al. An Objective Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Surgeons in Real Time While Performing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 72, 342–349 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-020-01840-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-020-01840-x

Keywords

  • Ergonomic risk
  • Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
  • Objective motion analysis
  • RULA