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Smith et al: Variables associated with the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders in veterinary laparoscopic surgeons
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

140 laparoscopic surgeons surveyed; 37% reported at least one musculoskeletal disorder.
Women had significantly higher odds of reporting WRMD (OR = 2.59, p = .011).
Smaller glove size significantly associated with WRMD (p = .001), shoulder tendonitis (p = .01), and neck strain (p = .001).
Most common injuries: Neck strain (35%), shoulder tendonitis (31%).
WRMD was associated with greater difficulty using:

  • Rotating cup biopsy forceps (p < .001)
  • Vessel sealing device and endo stapler (especially in those with shoulder injuries)

No significant association with surgeon age, dominant hand, height, weight, or case volume.

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← Articles

Smith et al: Variables associated with the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders in veterinary laparoscopic surgeons
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

140 laparoscopic surgeons surveyed; 37% reported at least one musculoskeletal disorder.
Women had significantly higher odds of reporting WRMD (OR = 2.59, p = .011).
Smaller glove size significantly associated with WRMD (p = .001), shoulder tendonitis (p = .01), and neck strain (p = .001).
Most common injuries: Neck strain (35%), shoulder tendonitis (31%).
WRMD was associated with greater difficulty using:

  • Rotating cup biopsy forceps (p < .001)
  • Vessel sealing device and endo stapler (especially in those with shoulder injuries)

No significant association with surgeon age, dominant hand, height, weight, or case volume.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Smith 2025 et al., on ergonomic injury risk, what was the most commonly reported type of musculoskeletal disorder?

A. Shoulder tendonitis
B. Back pain
C. Arm/hand tendonitis
D. Neck strain
E. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer: Neck strain

Explanation: Neck strain was reported in 35% of WRMD cases, the most frequent condition.
In Smith 2025 et al., on ergonomic injury risk, which of the following was NOT significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorder prevalence?

A. Glove size
B. Gender
C. Dominant hand
D. Shoulder tendonitis
E. Neck strain

Answer: Dominant hand

Explanation: No association was found between dominant hand and WRMD prevalence (p = .434).
In Smith 2025 et al., on ergonomic injury risk, smaller glove size was significantly associated with which outcomes?

A. Improved laparoscopic efficiency
B. Decreased WRMD prevalence
C. Increased risk of neck strain and shoulder tendonitis
D. Higher surgical case volume
E. Increased ergonomic satisfaction

Answer: Increased risk of neck strain and shoulder tendonitis

Explanation: Surgeons with smaller glove sizes were significantly more likely to report neck strain (p = .001) and shoulder tendonitis (p = .01).
In Smith 2025 et al., on ergonomic injury risk, which factor was most significantly associated with reporting a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD)?

A. Height less than 5'4"
B. Being left-handed
C. Glove size > 7.5
D. Being female
E. Years in practice > 10

Answer: Being female

Explanation: Women had 2.59 times greater odds of reporting WRMDs than men (p = .011).
In Smith 2025 et al., on ergonomic injury risk, which laparoscopic instrument maneuver was most significantly associated with difficulty in WRMD-affected surgeons?

A. Closing laparoscopic babcock
B. Using laparoscopic scissors
C. Rotating cup biopsy forceps
D. Deploying endoscopic stapler
E. Using vessel sealing device

Answer: Rotating cup biopsy forceps

Explanation: Surgeons with WRMDs reported significantly more difficulty using cup biopsy forceps (p < .001).

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