The number of people going for plastic surgery for one or the other reason is increasing rapidly. Hence the workload of plastic surgeons is also increasing. Recently a study was done on the occupational injuries in surgeons. The study was led by Dr. Pranay M. Parikh, from Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. 

More than 350 plastic surgeons were surveyed under the present study. Researchers focused on 28 common conditions of the neck, back and arms. A number of potential risk factors for injury, such as age, gender, years spent operating, and use of microscopes and loupes, a smaller, more portable magnifying device were also examined. Researchers assessed the functional impact of the injury by the "DASH" tool (disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand.). 

During the study, 70 percent of the surgeons reported the muscle strain, 40 percent reported vision changes, 30 percent reported cervical disc degeneration, 25 percent reported lumbar disc degeneration and shoulder arthritis was reported by 20 percent. The study revealed that nearly half of the study subjects were getting treatment for a health condition related to operating. Most of the respondents also reported an injury that broke the skin or a splash exposure within the 12 months prior to the survey.

This study showed that the injuries often had a functional impact. Researchers also found correlation between these injuries and age, years in practice, and loupe use.

Dr. Pranay M. Parikh said that this is the "first systematic assessment of injuries occurring in the surgical workforce.

He added that the results indicate that injuries are much more prevalent among surgeons than previously thought. As surgeons have historically been a stoic and low complaining population, the incidence of occupational injuries in this population has been underreported. 

He added that the surgery is a physically and mentally demanding field requiring more than 10 years of post-graduate training to prepare for. Avoiding preventable disability in this highly trained group is imperative to protect the surgical workforce and ensure a high level of surgical care.

He suggested "workplace ergonomics is an area for growth and development to prevent occupational injuries in surgeons."