Musculoskeletal Pathologies of the Upper Extremity in Surgical Device Mechanics

Musculoskeletal Pathologies of the Upper Extremity in Surgical Device Mechanics

Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WRUEMSDs) have shown to be related to many occupational situations and specific industries. However, there is conflicting information about monotonous and repetitive activities. In this context, the profession of surgical device mechanics has not been analyzed so far.

The objective of this study is to examine surgical device mechanics at different workplaces with varying work contents and to compare them with a control group without the repetitive workload exposition as described above. The headquarters and main production site of Aesculap are located in Tuttlingen/Germany. Aesculap is the world leading manufacturer of surgical devices.

After statistical power analysis, the investigators plan to randomize and include a total of 90 voluntary test persons in 3 groups (30 persons each). The study will include standardized questionnaires and a physical examination as well as an industry test (Purdue Pegboard Test).

Primary and secondary endpoints were defined to show if significant difference between surgical device mechanics and a control group is present.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 years of age
• work ability without absence > 2 weeks within the last 3 months
• >5 years on workplace or similar workplace when in group of surgical device mechanics

Exclusion Criteria:

• spinal syndrome in history
• chronic shoulder pain in history
• congenital malformation of the upper extremity/hand
• rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia in history
• actual hand therapy as conservative therapy or therapy after operation due to upper extremity musculoskeletal pathology
• previous operation(s) due to nerve entrapment syndrome or chronic musculoskeletal pathology of the upper extremity