Occupational musculoskeletal pain amongst ENT surgeons - are we looking at the tip of an iceberg?

Abstract

Objective: Surgeons are exposed to a variety of occupational risks, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study investigated the prevalence of these latter disorders amongst UK ENT surgeons and compared this with the existing literature.

Methods: A survey containing questions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders was distributed to the entire membership of ENT-UK electronically, with the assistance of its Survey Guardian. A literature review on the subject was then performed.

Results: A total of 323 completed questionnaires were received (a 24 per cent response rate). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders had been experienced by 47.4 per cent of respondents. There were no statistical differences between the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and: grade, length of time spent in the specialty or the subspecialty of respondents. Eighty-five per cent of affected surgeons sought treatment, with 22.9 per cent taking time off work and six surgeons retiring early. The literature review only identified five related studies.

Conclusion: Despite the scarcity of studies, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common amongst ENT surgeons in the UK. Such disparity highlights the need for more research and appropriate ergonomic intervention within the specialty.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Pain; Occupational Injuries; Occupational Safety; Otorhinolaryngology.