Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Surgeons: A Review of the Literature

There is increasing awareness of surgeons? physical stress and fatigue in the operating room environment. Data suggests that orthopedic and neurological surgeons are especially prone to musculoskeletal complaints related to the physical demands of performing spinal surgery. Spine surgery requires surgeons to adopt non-ergonomic positions for variable amounts of time in an attempt to decompress neural elements, stabilize the spinal column, and correct spinal deformity. While patient outcomes are a focus of healthcare in this country, the impact of surgery upon the surgeon has received far less attention. This literature review was undertaken to elucidate the epidemiology of musculoskeletal symptoms among surgeons as well as to review treatment interventions. Comprehensive review of Pub Med and OVID Medline from 1990-2017 was undertaken; seventeen articles were identified. The epidemiology of and interventions directed towards musculoskeletal complaints in surgeons will be described.