Ergonomics in Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: This study is a systematic review. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to synthesize existing studies and highlight the significance of ergonomic considerations for spine surgeons' well-being and the impact on patient outcomes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spine surgery is a physically demanding field that poses several risks to surgeons, particularly with musculoskeletal disorders. Despite the well-documented consequences of musculoskeletal injuries endured by surgeons, surgical ergonomics in spine surgery has received limited attention. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase. Studies focusing on surgeon ergonomics in spine surgery were selected. Data extracted included study details, surgeon demographics, ergonomic factors, and outcomes. Qualitative analysis was performed due to the heterogeneous nature of study designs and criteria. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies utilized surveys to explore physical challenges, prevalence rates of pain, work practices, and ergonomic tools. Two studies employed optoelectronic motion analysis to assess the spinal angles of the surgeon during surgery. Two studies assesed ergonomics in different visualization methods using rapid entire body assessment (REBA). One study applied video analysis to scrutinize surgeons' neck postures during the case. The results demonstrated a varying prevalence and diverse presentations of musculoskeletal disorders, varying impact on surgical performance, and nuanced relationships between experience, workload, and ergonomic concerns. CONCLUSION: This systematic review summarizes the heterogeneous evaluations of ergonomics in spine surgery. Overall, upwards of three-quarters of spine surgeons have reported musculoskeletal discomfort, most commonly presented as back pain, neck pain, and hand/wrist discomfort. These symptoms are often exacerbated by the use of loupes, operating bed height, and extended periods of time in various positions. Studies demonstrate that physical discomfort is associated with the surgeons' mental and emotional well-being, leading to stress, burnout, and reduced job satisfaction, all of which impact patient care.

Implementation of an electronic health record system during global surgical outreach: A prospective evaluation of success and sustainability.

BACKGROUND: The burden of musculoskeletal conditions continues to grow in low- and middle-income countries. Among thousands of surgical outreach trips each year, few organizations electronically track patient data to inform real-time care decisions and assess trip impact. We report the implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) system utilized at point of care during an orthopedic surgical outreach trip. METHODS: In March 2023, we implemented an EHR on an orthopedic outreach trip to guide real-time care decisions. We utilized an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 3 design to evaluate implementation success. Success was measured using outcomes adopted by the World Health Organization, including acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, and sustainability. Clinical outcome measures included adherence to essential quality measures and follow-up numerical rating system (NRS) pain scores. RESULTS: During the 5-day outreach trip, 76 patients were evaluated, 25 of which underwent surgery beforehand. The EHR implementation was successful as defined by: mean questionnaire ratings of acceptability (4.26), appropriateness (4.12), feasibility (4.19), and adoption (4.33) at least 4.00, WHO behaviorally anchored rating scale ratings of fidelity (6.8) at least 5.00, and sustainability (80%) at least 60% follow-up at 6 months. All clinical quality measures were reported in greater than 80% of cases with all measures reported in 92% of cases. NRS pain scores improved by an average of 2.4 points. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate successful implementation of an EHR for real-time clinical use on a surgical outreach trip. Benefits of EHR utilization on surgical outreach trips may include improved documentation, minimization of medical errors, and ultimately improved quality of care.

Surgical outcome after treatment of thoracolumbar spinal stenosis in adults with achondroplasia.

PURPOSE: To describe the complications and the outcome of patients with achondroplasia undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients with achondroplasia undergoing surgery within the years 1992-2021 at the thoracic and/or lumbar spine. The outcome was measured by analyzing the surgical complications and revisions. The patient-rated outcome was assessed with the COMI score from 2005 onwards. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were included in this study undergoing a total of 31 surgeries at 79 thoracolumbar levels. 12/31 surgeries had intraoperative complications consisting of 11 dural tears and one excessive intraoperative bleeding. 4/18 revision surgeries were conducted due to post-decompression hyperkyphosis. The COMI score decreased from 7.5 IQR 1.4 (range 7.1-9.8) preoperatively to 5.3 IQR 4.1 (2.5-7.5) after 2 years (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Patients with achondroplasia, the most common skeletal dysplasia condition with short-limb dwarfism, are burdened with a congenitally narrow spinal canal and are commonly in need of spinal surgery. However, surgery in these patients is often associated with complications, namely dural tears and post-decompression kyphosis. Despite these complications, patients benefit from surgical treatment at a follow-up of 2 years after surgery.

Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Biologics Research Impacts Patient Care: The Second Annual Arthroscopy Orthobiologics Virtual Special Issue.

The field of orthobiologics is rapidly evolving, offering clinicians a shift in treatment from symptom relief to the potential for disease modification and tissue repair. These agents, derived from autologous tissues, components of blood, and growth factors, are used as surgical adjuncts or as standalone treatments. Their clinical applications are expanding to encompass a variety of conditions, supported by a growing base of research efforts. Arthroscopy and its companion publications are committed to evidence-based research with a robust history of publications that enhance clinical decision-making and impact patient care. This curated collection of articles highlights the year's most compelling advancements in orthopaedic musculoskeletal biologics research.

Musculoskeletal disorders and discomfort for female surgeons or surgeons with small hand size when using hand-held surgical instruments: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), also referred to as work-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs), cause surgeons pain and discomfort. Implementing ergonomics in the operating room has helped reduce such symptoms. However, there are still many issues that surgeons face when dealing with medical instruments, especially among female surgeons or surgeons with smaller hands. METHODS: The Cochrane methodology for performing a systematic review was utilized to search five databases for pertinent literature based on the study question "Do female surgeons or surgeons with smaller hand size, who use surgical instruments have an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders and discomfort compared to male or larger handed surgeons?". The literature search strategy was designed around the three conceptual domains of surgeons/surgery, smaller hand size, and instrumentation. We searched PubMed, Embase.com, CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. This exploration identified 2165 research publications, and after specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 studies were included in the systematic review. Risk of bias analysis was conducted to assess the quality of the included studies. After conducting a heterogeneity test, a meta-analysis was not performed due to high heterogeneity. RESULTS: Using certain surgical instruments presents challenges in the form of MSKIs for female and smaller-handed surgeons. Studies showed that 77% of females and 73% of surgeons who wear < 6.5 glove size report musculoskeletal issues ranging from difficulty of use to pain. Difficulties using surgical instruments and reported injuries have a greater impact on surgical trainees which might deter interest in surgical fields for future proceduralists. Recommendations for improved ergonomic tool design are suggested by some of the included studies to help tackle the MSKIs that surgeons face when performing operations. CONCLUSIONS: The number of female surgeons has increased substantially in the last decade. Hence, there exists an urgent need to address the major challenges they encounter by focusing on this specific aspect of workplace safety and health to mitigate injury. Doing so will yield a productive environment while simultaneously protecting the health and safety of both surgeons and patients. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022283378).

Ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, and surgeon gender in spine surgery: a survey of practicing spine surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to gain a greater understanding of the burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in spine surgeons, their impact on practice, and risk factors contributing to MSDs, including surgical instrument design and surgical ergonomics. METHODS: An anonymous REDCap survey was distributed via email to the departments of several academic and private centers across the United States, as well as to the AANS/CNS Women in Neurosurgery Section email list. Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare responses by gender. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of discomfort in instrument utilization. RESULTS: Survey responses were received from 120 spine surgeons (29.1% response rate), of which 73 were included in the analysis. A very high number of respondents had experienced an MSD (70.4%), 38.2% had undergone treatment for at least one MSD, and 13.4% had lost time at work for at least one MSD. Women were more likely than men to have lost time at work due to an MSD (22.6% vs 5.6%, p = 0.04). Women were more likely than men to report difficulty in instrument grip, comfort, and use on a 20-point Likert scale (mean 10.7 vs 15.2 points, p < 0.0001). This effect persisted when adjusting for glove size and days per week spent operating (p = 0.002). Specifically, women were less likely to agree that the handles of surgical instruments were an appropriate grip (p < 0.0001), that they rarely experienced difficulty when using them (p < 0.0001), and that they rarely needed to use two hands with instruments meant to be used with one hand (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: The MSD burden in spine surgeons is substantial. While there was no evidence of gender differences in MSD rates and severity, female surgeons report significantly more discomfort with the use of surgical instruments. There is a need for more investigation of MSD risk factors in spine surgeons and mitigation strategies. Gender differences in comfort in instrument use should be further explored and addressed by spine surgeons and device manufacturers.

Responsiveness of Subjective and Objective Measures of Pain and Function Following Operative Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Narrative Review.

OBJECTIVE: Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders affect ~50% of US adults and 75% of those over the age of 65, representing a sizable economic and disability burden. Outcome measures, both objective and subjective, help clinicians and investigators determine whether interventions to treat MSK conditions are effective. This narrative review qualitatively compared the responsiveness of different types of outcome measures, a key measurement characteristic that assesses an outcome measure's ability to detect change in patient status. METHODS: We evaluated elective orthopedic interventions as a model for assessing responsiveness because the great majority of patients improves following surgery. We searched for articles reporting responsiveness (quantified as effect size [ES]) of subjective and objective outcome measures after orthopedic surgery and included 16 articles reporting 17 interventions in this review. RESULTS: In 14 of 17 interventions, subjective function measures had an ES 10% greater than that of objective function measures. Two reported a difference in ES of <10%. The sole intervention that demonstrated higher ES of objective function used a composite measure. Sixteen interventions reported measures of subjective pain and/or mixed measures and subjective function. In nine interventions, subjective pain had a higher ES than subjective function by >10%, in three, subjective function had a higher ES than subjective pain by >10%, and in the remaining four, the difference between pain and function was <10%. CONCLUSION: These findings reinforce the clinical observation that subjective pain generally changes more than function following elective orthopedic surgery. They also suggest that subjective function measures are more responsive than objective function measures, and composite scores may be more responsive than individual performance tests.

NSAID use in orthopedic surgery: A review of current evidence and clinical practice guidelines.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a valuable class of medications for orthopedic surgeons and often play a pivotal role in pain control. However, there are many common stipulations resulting in avoidance of its use in the treatment of musculoskeletal disease. This review summarizes the mechanism of action of NSAIDs as well as provides an overview of commonly used NSAIDs and the differences between them. It provides a concise summary on the osseous effects of NSAIDs with regard to bone healing and heterotopic ossification. Most of all, it serves as a guide or reference for orthopedic providers when counseling patients on the risks and benefits of NSAID use, as it addresses the common stipulations encountered: "It irritates my stomach," "I have a history of bariatric surgery," "I'm already on a blood thinner," "I've had a heart attack," and "I've got kidney problems" and synthesizes both current research and society recommendations regarding safe use and avoidance of NSAIDs.

Artrhoscopic Resection of Volar Wrist Ganglion: Surgical Technique and Case Series / Ressecção artroscópica do cisto sinovial volar do punho: Técnica cirúrgica e série de casos

Abstract Objectives To describe the technique and results of the arthroscopic surgical treatment of volar ganglion cyst of the wrist. Materials and Methods The present study comprised 21 patients submitted to the arthroscopic treatment of volar ganglion cysts of the wrist from January 2015 to May 2017, with a full evaluation for at least 6 months. The technique was indicated for patients presenting pain and functional impairment for more than four months, with no improvement with the conservative treatment, or for those with cosmetic complaints and cyst present for more than three months. Results The mean age of the patients was 43.6 years; 16 (76%) patients were female, and 5 (24%) were male. The mean follow-up time from surgery to the final assessment was of 10.9 months. A total of 2 (9.6%) patients complained of mild pain after the procedure, and another patient presented slight motion restrictions. The 18 (90.4%) remaining patients reported cosmetic improvement, complete functional recovery, and pain improvement. There were no recurrences or infections. No patient required further surgery. Conclusions The arthroscopic resection of volar ganglion cysts is a useful and safe technique. It is a minimally-invasive procedure, with low morbidity and very few complications, representing a good alternative to the open technique.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever a técnica e os resultados da artroscopia no tratamento cirúrgico dos cistos sinoviais volares no punho. Materiais e Métodos Foram incluídos e analisados neste trabalho 21 pacientes submetidos a artroscopia para o tratamento de cisto sinovial volar no punho, no período entre janeiro de 2015 e maio de 2017, com avaliação completa e mínima de 6 meses. A técnica descrita foi indicada para os pacientes com dor e incapacidade funcional com duração de mais de quatro meses, sem melhora com o tratamento conservador, ou para aqueles com queixas estéticas e que apresentavam o cisto havia mais de três meses. Resultados A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 43,6 anos, sendo 16 (76%) do sexo feminino, e 5 (24%) do masculino. O tempo de seguimento médio entre a cirurgia e a avaliação final foi de 10,9 meses. Um total de 2 (9,6%) pacientes apresentaram dor leve e uma restrição da mobilidade no pós-operatório. Nos 18 (90,4%) pacientes restantes, houve melhora das queixas estéticas, recuperação funcional completa, e melhora completa da dor. Não houve recidivas ou infecções. Nenhum paciente necessitou ser submetido a nova cirurgia. Conclusões A ressecção artroscópica do cisto sinovial volar mostrou-se uma técnica útil e segura. É um procedimento minimamente invasivo, com baixa morbidade e poucas complicações, sendo uma boa alternativa à técnica aberta.

Estudo comparativo entre ressecção do trapézio e interposição tendinosa com e sem ligamentoplastia no tratamento da artrose carpometacarpiana do polegar / Comparative study between trapezium resection and tendon interposition with and without ligament plasty in the management of carpometacarpal arthrosis of the thumb

OBJETIVOS: O tratamento da artrose da base do polegar tem sido tema de grande controvérsia. Numerosas cirurgias têm sido descritas, como ressecção isolada do trapézio, ressecção com interposição com e sem reforço ligamentar, artrodese e artroplastias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de comparar os resultados das duas técnicas mais utilizadas nesse tratamento. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo a fim de comparar os resultados cirúrgicos de ressecção do trapézio com interposição tendinosa (tenoartroplastia) - 22 casos e tenoartroplastia associada a ligamentoplastia - 24 casos. A avaliação objetiva foi feita através das medidas de oponência, dos movimentos da articulação metacarpofalangiana, da força de pinça e de preensão, da medida radiográfica da distância entre a base do 1º metacarpiano e o escafóide e do ângulo entre o 1º e o 2º metacarpianos. A avaliação subjetiva foi realizada através do questionário DASH, uma escala analógico-digital para avaliar a dor e a satisfação do paciente. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Após a aplicação dos critérios descritos e usada análise estatística pelo teste t de Student, os autores concluem não haver vantagens da reconstrução ligamentar sobre a simples interposição tendinosa na artrose carpometacarpiana do polegar.

OBJECTIVES: Treating arthrosis in the base of the thumb has been a highly controverted subject. Many surgeries have been described, such as the isolated trapezium resection; resection with interposition with and without ligament plasty, arthrodesis, and arthroplasties. The purpose of this paper is to compare the two techniques which are the most used in this treatment. METHODS: A prospective study has been made to compare the surgical results between the trapezium resection with tendon interposition (tendon arthroplasty) - 22 cases - and tendon arthroplasty associated to ligament plasty - 24 cases. Objective evaluation was done by measuring opponency, movements of the metacarpophalangeal joint, pinching and pressure strength, radiographic measurement of the distance between the first metacarpian and the scaphoid, and measurement of the angle between the first and the second metacarpian. Subjective evaluation was done with a DASH questionnaire, an analogical-digital scale to evaluate pain and patient satisfaction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After application of the criteria described and using Student t test for statistical analysis, the authors concluded that the ligament reconstruction has no advantage over the simple tendon interposition in carpometacarpal arthrosis of the thumb.

Gastrosquise: importância do diagnóstico pré-natal e assistência de enfermagem ao recém-nascido e família / Gastroschisis: the relevance of prenatal diagnosis and nursing assistance to neonate and its family

Com este trabalho objetiva-se ressaltar a importância do diagnóstico intra-uterino de gastrosquise na efetivação da programação assistencial ao parto, bem como, para a viabilização de uma assistência neonatal especializada; e propor um protocolo de assistência de enfermagem ao neonato com gastrosquise e sua família. Foi realizado um estudo de caso por meio de acompanhamento da evolução da gestação de um feto portador de gastrosquise desde sua admissão no Setor de Medicina Fetal do Departamento de Obstetrícia da UNIFESP/HSP até o nascimento, tratamento e alta hospitalar do recém-nascido. As condutas estabelecidas nesse serviço foram comparadas com dados da literatura. O acompanhamento sistemático da evolução neonatal evidenciou a necessidade de se desenvolver uma metodologia assistencial específica a esses casos, sendo então, elaborado uma proposta de protocolo de assistência de enfermagem, abrangendo condutas e cuidados pré e pós-operatórios e preparo para alta hospitalar. Observou-se que o diagnóstico pré-natal de gastrosquise contribui favoravelmente para o atendimento perinatal adequado, tornando possível uma abordagem cirúrgica mais rápida e eficiente, o que resulta em melhora sensível dos índices de morbi-mortalidade desses neonatos. Estudos e propostas devem prosseguir com intuito de qualificar e subsidiar a prática assistencial multiprofissional.

Experiencia del IMSS en encuentros quirúrgicos de ortopedia en zonas marginadas / Experience of the IMSS in encounters for orthopedic surgery in marginated zones

La Dirección de Presentaciones Médicas y la Coordinación del Programa IMSS-Solidaridad conformaron un grupo multidisciplinario, que se trasladó a diversos estados de la República, y los quirófanos de los Hospitales del D.F. a las salas de operaciones de los Hospitales Rurales, uno de estos grupos es el de Ortopedia y Traumatología. Se evaluaron un total de 1,642 pacientes, de los cuales se intervinieron a un total de 306, realizándose 335 procedimientos quirúrgicos. Solamente el 18.86 por ciento del total de la población evaluada fue sometida a algún tipo de cirugía. Resultados: El principal padecimiento observado fue el pie equino varo aducto (PEVA), las complicaciones detectadas fueron 18 (5.86 por ciento) una severa y las demás de fácil resolución. Conclusiones: Con los resultados obtenidos haste el momento, podemos determinar que el beneficio otorgado a esa población es real y significativo, las complicaciones aunque se presentaron no tuvieron consecuencias fatales. La complejidad logística en la realización de estos encuentros es muy elevada, ya que involucra a un grupo multidisciplinario y de diversas instituciones