Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: Health professionals, especially surgeons, have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, and 23 to 100% of surgeons reported some degree of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Musculoskeletal symptoms and injury are also prevalent among veterinarians. However, little is known about work-related MSS in veterinary surgeons. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of MSS in veterinary surgeons.

Materials and Methods: An online survey was distributed to 1,031 diplomates of American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Responses were collected with data regarding surgical activities, experience with various types of MSS in 10 different body sites, and attempts to reduce MSS.

Results: Two hundred and twelve respondents (21% response rate) completed the distributed survey in 2021. Ninety-three percent of respondents had experienced MSS associated with surgery in at least one body part, with the neck, lower back, and upper back frequently affected. Musculoskeletal discomfort and pain worsened with prolonged surgical hours. Forty-two percent of them suffered from chronic pain persisting longer than 24 hours after surgeries. Musculoskeletal discomfort was common regardless of practice emphasis and procedure types. Forty-nine percent of respondents with musculoskeletal pain had taken medication, 34% sought physical therapy for MSS, and 38% ignored the symptoms. Over 85% of respondents showed more than some concern regarding career longevity due to musculoskeletal pain.

Discussion/Conclusion: Work-related MSS are common in veterinary surgeons, and the results of this study warrant longitudinal clinical studies to determine risk factors and attention to workplace ergonomics in veterinary surgery.

Acknowledgments: This research study was supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health through the Pilot Research Project Training Program of the University of Cincinnati Education and Research Centre Grant #T42OH00843. The authors have no conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, to report.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 September 2023