A national survey of occupational musculoskeletal injuries in cardiothoracic surgeons

Objective There is growing concern that surgeons are at increased risk for work-related orthopedic injuries due to poor ergonomics. We conducted a survey of North American cardiothoracic surgeons to evaluate the prevalence of occupational injury, as well as perceptions and use of ergonomic techniques. Methods Cardiothoracic surgeons identified through the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network were asked to complete a 33-question survey assessing their musculoskeletal health, as well as their perceptions and use of ergonomic techniques in the operating room (OR) and office. Results Among 60 0 cardiothoracic surgeons, the prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal injuries was 64%, with 30% of affected surgeons requiring time away from work and 20% requiring surgery or the use of narcotics. Cervical spine injury (35%, n=216) was the most common injury attributed to operating, followed by lumbar spine injury (30%, n=180). In multivariable-adjusted analysis, cardiac surgeons were more likely than thoracic surgeons to experience occupational musculoskeletal injuries (aOR: 1.8, [1.2-2.8], p<0.01). Notably, 90% (n=536) of surgeons reported feeling that their institution did not provide sufficient ergonomics education or support and only 35% (n=205) felt that the cardiothoracic surgical community is supportive of implementing ergonomics techniques in the OR and office. Conclusions In this survey analysis, cardiothoracic surgeons reported experiencing work-related orthopedic injuries at an alarmingly high rate, leading to significant time away from work and for many to retire from surgery over a decade early. These findings underline a critical need for institutions to prioritize ergonomics education and implement ergonomics-directed techniques in the OR and office.