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. 2016 Feb;59(1):42-7.
doi: 10.1503/cjs.014415.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey

Saad M AlQahtani  1 , Mohammad M Alzahrani  1 , Edward J Harvey  1
Affiliations

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey

Saad M AlQahtani et al. Can J Surg. 2016 Feb.

Abstract
in English, French

Background: Occupational injuries and hazards have gained increased attention in the surgical community in general and in the orthopedic literature specifically. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons and the impact of these injuries on the surgeons' practices.

Methods: We sent a modified version of the physical discomfort survey to surgeon members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) via email. Data were collected and descriptive statistics were analyzed.

Results: A total of 86 surgeons completed the survey during the period of data collection; 84.9% were men, more than half were 45 years or older and 40.6% were in practice for 10 years or more. More than 66% of respondents reported a musculoskeletal disorder that was related to work; the most common was low back pain (29.3%). The number of body regions involved and disorders diagnosed was associated with increasing age and number of years in practice (p = 0.033). Time off work owing to these disorders was associated with working in a private setting (p = 0.045) and working in more than 1 institute (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: To our knowledge, our study is the first to report a high percentage of orthopedic trauma surgeons sustaining occupational injuries some time in their careers. The high cost of management and rehabilitation of these injuries in addition to the related number of missed work days indicate the need for increased awareness and implementation of preventive measures.

Contexte: Les blessures et les risques professionnels font l’objet d’une attention croissante dans le milieu chirurgical, plus précisément dans les articles scientifiques en orthopédie. Cette étude visait à évaluer la prévalence et les particularités des troubles musculosquelettiques chez les praticiens en chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique ainsi que les répercussions de ces blessures sur la pratique des chirurgiens touchés.

Méthodes: Nous avons envoyé par courriel une version modifiée du sondage sur l’inconfort physique à des chirurgiens membres de l’Orthopaedic Trauma Association, ce qui nous a permis de recueillir des données et d’analyser des statistiques descriptives.

Résultats: En tout, 86 chirurgiens ont répondu au questionnaire pendant la période de collecte de données. Parmi les répondants, 84,9 % étaient des hommes, plus de la moitié étaient âgés de 45 ans ou plus, et 40,6 % exerçaient depuis 10 ans ou plus. Plus de 66 % ont indiqué souffrir d’un trouble musculosquelettique lié à leur travail, le plus courant étant la lombalgie (29,3 %). Le nombre de parties du corps touchées et de troubles diagnostiqués était corrélé à l’âge et au nombre d’années d’exercice (p = 0,033). Les congés attribuables à ces troubles étaient associés au travail dans le privé (p = 0,045) et au travail dans plusieurs établissements (p = 0,009).

Conclusion: À notre connaissance, notre étude est la première à faire état du pourcentage élevé de praticiens en chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique atteints de lésions professionnelles à un moment ou à un autre de leur carrière. Compte tenu du coût élevé de la prise en charge et de la réadaptation ainsi que du nombre de jours de congé de maladie associés à ces blessures, il semble nécessaire d’accroître la sensibilisation à ce sujet et d’entreprendre des mesures préventives.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Age distribution among survey participants.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of years in practice among survey participants.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Distribution of type of practice among survey participants.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Musculoskeletal disorders and complaints among survey participants. CTS = carpal tunnel syndrome; OA = osteoarthritis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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