(708) Ergonomics Principles of Laryngology: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Ergonomics directly impacts physician health and longevity, particularly in specialties including laryngology that require prolonged or awkward postures. Poor ergonomic awareness and practices can lead to chronic musculoskeletal injury, leading to missed work or even the need for earlier retirement. This review synthesizes existing knowledge about ergonomics in laryngology.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science using terms related to ergonomics and laryngology. Two independent reviewers screened and summarized all eligible studies.

Results: Of 637 studies initially screened, ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that poor ergonomic practices are common in laryngeal surgery, leading to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury. Key risk factors include lack of arm/back support, misaligned eye pieces, and surgery time exceeding 30 minutes. Female surgeons, particularly shorter individuals, reported limited access to ergonomically appropriate instruments in the operating room, impacting both comfort and professional inclusion. In addition, there is a notable lack of ergonomic training and awareness in laryngology, with one study finding that only one-third of otolaryngology residents learned about ergonomic principles in training, which may contribute to early onset of MSK symptoms in residency. Common outcomes related to poor ergonomics include muscle pain, fatigue, and potential long-term disability. While evidence supporting the ergonomic favorability of standing versus sitting during laryngoscopy procedures is mixed, access to adjustable instruments and supportive devices was consistently found to improve surgeon comfort.

Conclusions: Knowledge of and incorporating ergonomic principles into laryngology training and practice is essential to reducing occupational injury, maintaining performance, and ensuring long-term career sustainability.