Musculoskeletal disorders pose a substantial health risk to employees in various professions worldwide, particularly those in healthcare settings. While prior research has predominantly focused on musculoskeletal issues among nurses, limited attention has been given to doctors across different specialties, including surgeons. Surgeons face unique challenges, combining intense mental focus, precision in movements, and varying physical demands. This systematic review aimed to explore the epidemiology, causes, and management of musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons and healthcare workers. PubMed/Medline and Embase were used as data sources, and articles published in English from 2010 to 2023 were reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. The analysis included seven articles, primarily employing surveys and national database analyses. The findings revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among healthcare workers, particularly surgeons, who experienced significant rates of shoulder, back, and neck complaints. Physical risk factors, including constrained postures and repetitive motions, were identified as significant predictors of musculoskeletal problems. Holistic treatment approaches that consider the patient's lifestyle, preferences, mental health, and concurrent conditions were emphasized. Conservative therapy, assistive technology, psychiatric counseling, and coping skills were recognized as beneficial interventions. The study underscores the importance of understanding and managing musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers, contributing to improved evaluation and management strategies in the future. Surgeons, in particular, require attention to their unique work.
Key words: Disability, musculoskeletal disorders, physical health, repetitive stress injury
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