Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in ophthalmologists.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the presence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the neck, low back, and upper extremity among ophthalmologists.


METHODS
Survey.


METHODS
Mail survey using a pretested instrument to 2,529 ophthalmologists in the Northeastern United States; 697 ophthalmologists (28%) returned a completed survey.


RESULTS
Self-reported prevalence of neck, upper body, or lower back symptoms in the prior month was 51.8%. Low back pain was present in 39% of respondents, followed by upper extremity symptoms (32.9%) and neck pain (32.6%). Approximately 15% of ophthalmologists were slightly to moderately limited in their work as a result of these symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
MSD symptoms appear to be common among ophthalmologists. With a relatively low response rate, however, it is plausible that asymptomatic subjects represent a large percentage of the nonrespondents. Additional investigation is warranted to evaluate ergonomic risk factor exposure and establish injury prevention guidelines.
Dhimitri
Kenneth C
KC
Department of Physical Therapy, Lahey Clinic, Peabody, Massachusetts, USA.
McGwin
Gerald
G
McNeal
Sandre F
SF
Lee
Paul
P
Morse
Patti Ann
PA
Patterson
Mark
M
Wertz
Fleming D
FD
Marx
Jeffrey L
JL
D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009511:New England / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012650:Self Disclosure