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Review
. 2025 Aug 20.
doi: 10.1002/lary.70061. Online ahead of print.

A Scoping Review of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Otology Units-Practices Worldwide

Paraskevi Karamitsou  1 , Panagiotis A Dimitriadis  1 , James Quinn  1 , Ananth Vijendren  1
Affiliations
Review

A Scoping Review of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Otology Units-Practices Worldwide

Paraskevi Karamitsou et al. Laryngoscope. .

Abstract

Objective: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are common among surgeons. We aim to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of WRMSD among otologists in both surgical and outpatient settings and to evaluate the impact of ergonomic interventions designed to reduce musculoskeletal strain.

Data sources: The literature search was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub.

Review methods: We followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Results: We identified six studies that met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of WRMSD among otology units was found to be 37.2%, with the neck being the most commonly affected region. Despite the high prevalence of musculoskeletal issues, a significant percentage of otolaryngologists are unaware of ergonomic principles. Our findings also suggest that optimizing both surgeon and patient positioning and utilizing supportive equipment can help reduce work-related musculoskeletal symptoms.

Conclusion: The prevalence of WRMSD among otologists is remarkable. The high ergonomic risk for otologists can be linked to several factors, including the use of microscopes and endoscopes and the requirement for prolonged static positions. Implementing ergonomic interventions and providing education on ergonomic principles can significantly reduce musculoskeletal strain.

Keywords: body positioning; ergonomics; musculoskeletal pain; otologist; work‐related musculoskeletal disorders.

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References

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    1. A. Elzomor, A. Tunkel, E. Lee, et al., “Intraoperative Stretching Microbreaks Reduce Surgery‐Related Musculoskeletal Pain in Otolaryngologists,” American Journal of Otolaryngology 43, no. 6 (2022): 103594.
    1. K. A. Aaron, J. Vaughan, R. Gupta, et al., “The Risk of Ergonomic Injury Across Surgical Specialties,” PLoS One 16, no. 2 (2021): e0244868.
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