Risk Assessment and Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Cranial and Spinal Neurosurgeons

-OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk and prevalence of work -related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in spine and cranial surgeons. -METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study composed of a risk assessment and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The risk assessment for WMSDs was performed on young volunteer neurosurgeons using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment tool. The survey-based questionnaire was distributed using the Google Forms software among the relevant official WhatsApp groups of the Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons and the Egyptian Spine Association.-RESULTS: Thirteen volunteers with a median service of 8 years were assessed for the risk of WMSDs, showing moderate to very high risk of WMSDs, with a Risk Index >1 for all assessed postures. A total of 232 respondents completed the questionnaire, 74% of whom reported WMSD symptoms. Pain was experienced by most (96%), with neck pain being the most common (62.8%), followed by low back pain (56.0%), shoulder pain (44.5%), and wrist/finger pain (43.9%). Pain was experienced for 1e3 years by most re-spondents; however, most did not reduce their case volume, seek medical advice, or stop working when they experi-enced pain. The survey showed shortage in the literature studying ergonomics, calling for more ergonomic education and furnishing of working environment of neurosurgeons.-CONCLUSIONS: WMSDs are prevalent among neuro-surgeons, affecting their ability to work. Ergonomics need further awareness, education, and interventions to reduce WMSDs, especially neck and low back pain, which proved to substantially interfere with work ability.