Ergonomics for surgeons - prototype of an external surgeon support system reduces muscular activity and fatigue.

BACKGROUND Since the unergonomic postures cannot be changed during a surgery, it seems reasonable to externally support the surgeon's posture in order to relieve the musculature. To evaluate this matter, we conducted a pilot study to investigate if a prototype of an external surgeon support system (S3) relieves the musculature in an objectively measurable manner. METHODS Simultaneous surface electromyography (EMG) was used alongside a combination of a laser Doppler flowmeter and a tissue spectrometer to record back and leg muscles during a simulated surgical situation. FINDINGS With S3, muscle activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and also fatigue decreased when compared to without S3. Muscle blood flow and oxygenation were relatively close to baseline with S3, but increased without S3. INTERPRETATION An ergonomic S3 is a possible approach to reduce muscle activity and fatigue and may therefore prevent chronic back pain amongst surgeons in the long term.