Abstract: Targeted Stretching and Strength Trainingt to Improve Postural Ergonomics and Surgical Endurance in the Operating Room

Plastic surgeons report amongst the highest prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue in surgeons, which impacts daily life and career longevity.1 Hospital acquired occupational injuries are common, leading to some of the highest economic burdens in the industry. Poor postural awareness and ergonomic set up in the operating room represent the underlying culprit in the majority of situations.2 While a wealth of research documents the physical detriments, there remains a paucity of literature representing solutions to this problem.3–5 In this paper, we review anatomy, surgical equipment, and postural pitfalls in the operating room that lead to neck, back and shoulder pain. This paper provides an individualized template for home strengthening and conditioning exercises to target problematic muscle groups. The goal is to improve postural awareness, core strength, and surgical stamina. Self-motivated and prophylactic conditioning is a must for maintaining physical wellbeing in a surgical field which stresses mental and physical toughness. Future focus should be aimed at implementing dedicated ergonomic education and physical wellness programs early in surgical resident training.