Journal of Spine

Is there an Increased Incidence of Cervical Degenerative Disease in Surgeons who use Loupes and a Headlight?

Abstract

Deshdeepak Sahni, Kevin B. James, John Hipp, Stephanie Holloway, Rex A. W. Marco

Background context: The ergonomic effects of headgear on spine surgeons are poorly understood. Assessment of cervical degenerative disease resulting from prolonged use of loupes and/or headlights was performed via data drawn from spine surgeons.
Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 54 fellowship trained spine surgeons. Part one assessed the current level of neck pain compared to prior to residency. The amount of exposure to headgear usage was determined using this formula for headgear hours: Headgear Hours=Years in practice * Number of months per year of headgear usage * Number of cases per month * Number of hours per case. Part two assessed whether a specific diagnosis or treatment associated with neck symptoms was rendered or received. The respondents were placed into two groups for comparison: Group A (non- or infrequent users of headgear), Group B (frequent users).
Results: 28 of the 41 (68%) surgeons in Group B experienced worsening of their neck symptoms since the start of their residency versus 5 of the 13 (38%) in Group A (p=0.027). Only 1 surgeon from group A was diagnosed with a degenerative cervical disorder compared to 14 from Group B.
Conclusions: Neck pain among spine surgeons is not uncommon. Poor ergonomics during surgery combined with frequent headgear use may contribute to increased neck pain and cervical degenerative disease.