Features of an Ergonomic Chair Designed for Surgeons Performing Microscopic Surgeries

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: This study aimed at ergonomic assessment of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among microscopic surgeons , investigate the specification of ergonomic chairs and designing one for use during microscopic surgeries. Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 27 micro surgeons out of 4 surgeons (ear, nose and throat), eye surgery, neurosurgery and plastic surgery in Khalili, Namazi, Shahid Chamran and Shahid Faghihi hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. The study was carried out in 4 steps. Objective evaluations included posture assessment by RULA and assessment of postural angles of the body (during performing microscopic surgeries) by Digimizer software. Subjective evaluation included the assessment of pain intensity and chair comfort using a visual analogue scale. next step was to determine the necessary anthropometric dimensions of the micro-surgeons. The fourth step was 3D modeling of the initial idea using Sketch Up 2017. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the final RULA scores of the surgeons’ postures were obtained 6.75 ± 0.5 and 6.5 ± 0.57 for the right and left sides of the body, respectively. Pain VAS scores after using normal chairs for microscopic surgeries were 5.32 (low-back pain), 4.42 (right shoulder/ arm pain) and 4.15 (left shoulder/ arm pain) which were their highest pain scores. The results of the assessment of postural angles by Digimizer software also showed a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the arm, forearm, wrist, neck, and trunk. Conclusion: In terms of ergonomics, the chair with the specifications listed may reduce physical fatigue and a potentially safer working environment for surgeons to create.