Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-9-2026
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Lack of ergonomic practices in the operating room results in significant musculoskeletal strain. This study obtains a current assessment of self-reported musculoskeletal strain associated with endoscopic endonasal and open skull base surgery as reported by members of the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS).
STUDY DESIGN: Online Survey.
SETTING: Online.
METHODS: A survey assessing current symptoms in endoscopic skull base surgery was distributed to members of the NASBS.
RESULTS: Sixty-six responses were completed and analyzed. 95% of respondents indicated they had musculoskeletal strain at the neck and C-spine. There was no significant difference in average operating time per week and musculoskeletal strain. Prolonged standing during endoscopic cases increased neck/C-spine musculoskeletal strain (OR: 3.96; CI: 1.26, 14.2;
CONCLUSION: The results found that most respondents experience musculoskeletal strain and that factors including surgeon positioning and prolonged standing increase pain. Altering strategies in the operating room, including surgeon and instrument positioning, may help to decrease ergonomic strain amongst skull base surgeons.
Recommended Citation
Mandloi, Shreya; Duffy, Alexander; Kaki, Praneet; Toskala, Elina; Rosen, Marc; Farrell, Christopher; Evans, James; Nyquist, Gurston G.; and Rabinowitz, MD, Mindy, "Ergonomic Trends in Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgeons: A Survey to the North American Skull Base Society" (2026). Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers. Paper 109.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/otofp/109
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
PubMed ID
41809139
Language
English
Comments
This article is the author's final published version in OTO Open, Volume 10, Issue 1 January-March 2026, Article number e70220.
The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1002/oto2.70220. Copyright © 2026 The Author(s).