Improving Surgeon Well-Being: Ergonomics in Neurosurgery

-BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are common among surgeons, and affect most neurosurgeons over the course of their career. Although all subspecialist neuro-surgeons may be affected by physical strain, spine sur-geons and skull base surgeons have a high propensity for workplace injury as a result of long procedures with re-petitive movements in strained physical positions.METHODS: In this review, the prevalence of musculo-skeletal disorders in neurosurgery, the state of innovation to improve ergonomics in the operating room for neuro-surgeons, and potential limitations in advancing technol-ogy with the goal of maximizing neurosurgeon longevity are discussed.RESULTS: Innovations such as robotics, the exoscope, and handheld devices with more degrees of freedom have allowed surgeons to maneuver instruments without exert-ing excessive effort, all while maintaining neutral body positioning, avoiding joint and muscle strain.CONCLUSIONS: As new technology and innovation in the operating room develop, there has been a larger emphasis placed on maximizing surgeon comfort and neutral positioning, by minimizing force exertion and fatigue.

Automated summary

This review discusses the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in neurosurgery, the state of innovation to improve ergonomics in the operating room, and potential limitations in advancing technology to maximize neurosurgeon longevity.