BACKGROUND: Any deviation from the standard posture is considered a postural alteration; although this is not necessarily considered a disease, it may substantially affect the quality of life of surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate backbone alignment and posture in surgeons and physicians in order to identify and quantify the positioning of body segments and investigate possible postural alterations. METHODS: Thirty subjects participated in the study group (CI) and corresponded to the following inclusion criteria: physician, aged 30-60 years, with at least 2 years of surgical practice and performing 4 weekly surgeries lasting 2 h each. The comparative group (CL) included 32 clinical physicians, in the same age range as the CI group. The control group (CO) included 33 non-physicians in the same age range as the CL and CI groups, who satisfied the following exclusion criteria: chronic muscle-skeletal pain or acute intense pain, diagnosis of or sequelae from orthopedic, rheumatologic, or respiratory disease, or prosthetic use. RESULTS: We observed a high incidence of postural changes in the CI group, including varus thrust, hyperextension, lumbar hyperlordosis, and more foot support in the heel, and other misalignments. The results indicate that the activities of surgeons may be considered as a risk for the musculoskeletal system. Because the specialty of plastic surgery is particularly surgical, the risk is even higher in these surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical activity provokes progressive postural changes in surgeons and may reduce useful time in the profession and hinder the quality of life.
Posture; Physicians; Workload
