Postural Preference and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Publication date: Available online 26 April 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Corey A. Taylor, Robert A. Strauss, Alvin M. Best
PurposeOral and maxillofacial surgeons traditionally have suffered from musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study is to determine the postural preferences of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and its effect on musculoskeletal pain.MethodsThe investigators designed and implemented a cross-sectional study. The association of demographic characteristics with postural preferences and use of loupes was first explored. Then, the relationship between demographic characteristics, postural preferences, and use of loupes with painful musculoskeletal complaints was analyzed. Contingency analysis was used to compare participant's responses and multiple logistic regression was used to identify the significant predictor variables.ResultsThe sample was composed of 153 oral and maxillofacial surgeons of which 32% indicated that they had ever had pain attributable to their practice which lasted more than two weeks. Practitioners reported neck and back pain as being most common. 84% of practitioners stood for both extractions and placement of implants. Those who stood did so for visibility. Practitioners who sat indicated they did so for orthopedic reason (p<0.001). 31% of practitioners indicated loupes use. Those who used loupes were more likely to report pain (P = 0.022).ConclusionThe majority of respondents stood and did not use loupes. Those who did use loupes were more likely to report pain. Those who stood did so for visibility; those who sat did so for orthopedic reasons. Almost a third of respondents reported pain lasting at least two weeks during practice.



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