Abstract
Background Surgeons working in orthopedics and trauma surgery are
frequently exposed to repetitive actions and non-ergonomic positions in their
operative activities with the regular use of lead aprons. Musculoskeletal
complaints of the neck and back among surgeons are reported in the literature
as
up to 80%. In this study, the effects of lead aprons on the posture of surgeons
are examined using videorasterstereography, foot pressure measurement and
questionnaires.
Methodology All subjects (n = 31) were examined before and after exposure
to wearing lead aprons during surgery using videorasterstereography and
pedography. In addition, a survey with a separately created questionnaire and
the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was carried out.
Results An average duration of lead apron use of 102.6 min showed an
increase in forefoot load (p = 0.002) especially in the elderly subjects and
thoracic kyphosis (p < 0.001) especially in the younger doctors with a
significant lateral deviation (p = 0.006). In addition, the lateral deviation
was shown to correlate with an increasing body size or a shorter period of
employment (p = 0.008; r = 0.51/p = 0.026; r = − 0.44). Significantly fewer
surgeons experienced back complaints on working days without lead apron use in
the operating room compared to days in the OR (p = 0.011).
Conclusion The impact of wearing front covered lead aprons during
operations in the field of orthopaedics and trauma surgery leads to more
frequent back complaints, even among young and healthy doctors. Under an average
duration of surgery of 102 min a temporary postural deviation occurs that can
be
demonstrated by means of videorasterstereography and foot pressure measurement.
The subjects showed a shifted weight distribution on the forefoot, a gain in
thoracic kyphosis and an increase in lateral deviation, which also correlated
with an increasing height and shorter length of employment.
Key words
rasterstereography - posture - foot pressure measurement - lead aprons - occupational
health hazards
