Work

Prevention of Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Career Sustainability in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery: Integrating Ergonomics and Physical Conditioning

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Head and neck reconstructive and plastic surgery exposes surgeons to prolonged static posture, sustained visualization of a narrow operative field, cervical and shoulder loading, fine-motor work, and extended standing. These demands create a substantial occupational musculoskeletal burden. METHODS: A structured narrative review and expert perspective synthesized evidence from head and neck surgery, reconstructive microsurgery, plastic surgery, surgical ergonomics, occupational health, and rehabilitation. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal symptoms commonly involve the neck, shoulders, back, and upper extremities and often begin during residency. Exposure varies by operative phase, visualization, anthropometric and team-level mismatch, prolonged standing, and repetitive operative workload. Prevention extends beyond ergonomic setup to phase-specific exposure modification, physical conditioning, mobility and recovery, footwear and standing-surface optimization, wearable feedback, early assessment, and diagnosis-specific rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Career sustainability requires reducing avoidable occupational load while preserving physical capacity and restoring function through recognition, modification, conditioning, recovery, assessment, and rehabilitation.

Source: Head & Neck

DOI: 10.1002/hed.70539

Authors: Babak Shadgan, Oleksandr Butskiy, Nikos C. Apostolopoulos, Lernik Sarkissian, Brent Chang, Donald Anderson

Institutions: University of British Columbia, International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries, University of Toronto

Language: English

Topic: Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,760