Risk factors, symptoms, and prevalence of lower limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic surgeons

While performing orthopedic surgeries, surgeons stand for long hours, carrying out repetitive and/or forceful movements, in sustained awkward postures, increasing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD).

Nonetheless, the literature addressing the risk factors, prevalence and symptoms of lower limb WRMSD remains dispersed and lacks a comprehensive synthesis. However, considering the critical role of lower limbs in maintaining surgical stability and balance, WRMSD affecting lower limbs could significantly compromise precision and motor skills, potentially impacting surgery outcomes.

This systematic review addresses this gap by consolidating evidence on lower limb WRMSD incidence and symptoms among orthopedic surgeons, while identifying the underlying risk factors.

The selection of the papers for this systematic review follows the PRISMA methodology and includes articles from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science published between 2013 and 2023. Among 320 articles initially identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria.

This systematic review shows knee WRMSD symptoms as the most prevalent, followed by foot/ankle and hip/thigh symptoms. The prevalence of foot/ankle WRMSD was the highest, followed by knee/lower leg and hip/thigh WRMSD. Additionally, the main risk factors reported as contributing to the development of these disorders included prolonged standing, static postures, higher body mass index, aging, smoking, and years of experience.

The findings of this systematic review highlight the substantial prevalence of lower limb WRMSD and symptoms among orthopedic surgeons and shed light on the associated risk factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for devising preventive measures and ergonomic interventions, ultimately enhancing the well-being of surgeons, and improving patient care.