• Seamus Boyle, Conall Fitzgerald, Brendan J Conlon, and Ananth Vijendren.
• St. James and Tallaght University Hospitals, Dublin, Ireland. seamusboyle@rcsi.com.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2022 Apr 1; 191 (2): 623-628.

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD) is a rising concern for surgeons, particularly those involved in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Severe WRMD can adversely affect surgeon's health and foreshorten their careers if not appropriately managed.AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of WRMD among Irish otolaryngologists and determine their knowledge of the best ergonomic principles.MethodsA national survey was distributed electronically to all otolaryngology consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) in Ireland. The survey assessed respondents' age, grade, history of WRMD, and treatments sought for WRMD and knowledge of best ergonomic practice.ResultsForty-nine of one hundred and two respondents completed the survey. The lifetime prevalence of WRMD among this cohort was 75.5%. Pain was the most commonly experienced symptom at 71.4%. The neck was the most frequently affected location (59.2%). Treatment for WRMD was sought by 36.7% of participants. The majority of respondents (73.5%) were unaware of recommendations made in the field of surgical ergonomics, while 85.7% were interested in learning ergonomic principles.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a high prevalence of WRMD amongst otolaryngologists working in Ireland and demonstrates a need for ergonomic training for surgeons.© 2021. Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.

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