[Posture and fatigue among surgeons in the operating room].

UNLABELLED: It is a documented fact that if work activity entails prolonged static postures, repetitive movements and the assuming of incongruous positions, skeletal muscle disorders can arise. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 100 surgeons (74 M 26 F), average age 40.1, completed a questionnaire regarding work posture, fatigue and pain experienced after working in the operating theatre. RESULTS. 75% work standing up, the average operation duration time is 4.3 hours (max 8 hours); 50% are unable to change position during the operation and the average time spent in a fixed position is 2 hours (max 6 hours). 58% of surgeons report the onset of myoarticular pain after an average of 4.3 hours (1-8) of surgical activity, principally regarding the cervical and lumbar rachis. Only 9% know the ergonomic guidelines for surgery and only 3% apply them.

CONCLUSIONS: Applying the ergonomic guidelines, modifying surgical equipment and increasing posture awareness could help improve comfort while operating and reduce skeletal muscle disorders.