Sherise Epstein and her team analyzed 21 articles involving 5,828 physicians. JAMA Surgery published the review.
Here are four insights:
1. The data revealed the “pooled crude prevalence estimates” of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were:
• Degenerative cervical spine disease — 17 percent
• Rotator cuff pathology — 18 percent
• Degenerative lumbar spine diseases — 19 percent
• Carpal tunnel syndrome — 9 percent
2. Between 1997 and 2015, the occurrence of degenerative cervical spine disease increased 18.3 percent and degenerative lumbar spine disease rose 27 percent.
3. The pooled prevalence estimates for pain differed between 35 percent and 60 percent.
4. Of those who experienced a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, 12 percent had a leave of absence, practice restriction or early retirement.
5. Researchers suggested further analysis to establish an evidence-based ergonomics program to stop these disorders from developing among at-risk physicians.
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