Evidence map›Paper›PMID 29070277›Full record

ArticleAllergy & rhinology (Providence, R.I.)2017

An ergonomic assessment of operating table and surgical stool heights for seated otolaryngology procedures.

Anam F Azimuddin, Erik K Weitzel, Kevin C McMains, Philip G Chen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Allergy & rhinology (Providence, R.I.), 2017. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Trial
  3. Female Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology.Operative techniques in otolaryngology--head and neck surgery · 2025
    Article
  4. Female Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A National Survey Study.Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery · 2024
    Article
  5. Article
  6. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Anam F AzimuddinFrom the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
Erik K WeitzelDepartment of Surgery, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Educational Consortium, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
Kevin C McMainsDepartment of Surgery, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Educational Consortium, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
Philip G ChenFrom the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMusculoskeletal injuries, such as neck and back pain, during a surgeon's career are common. However, studies on ergonomics are limited with regard to seated otolaryngologic procedures. Key elements of an ergonomic operating environment include the height of operating tables and surgical chairs. Surgeons benefit from proper support and positioning to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and reduce occupational risk.

objectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate operating table and surgical seat heights, and determine whether adjustments can be made for various surgeon physiques.

methodsOperating tables and surgical seat dimensions were measured at local hospitals, and the information was complemented by an online search of other models.

resultsFive unique operating tables and five unique surgical stools were identified, both in the local hospital and in a search on the Internet. Of available tables, the greatest range was 63.5-124.5 cm, which reaches above the maximum suggested working height of 76.2 cm. The surgical stool with the widest range was adjustable from heights of 50.8-72.4 cm. This combination of operative table and surgical stool provided the greatest range of heights.

conclusionOf the available tables and stools measured, the combination of surgical table with a range of 63.5-125.7 cm and surgical stool with a range of 50.8-72.4 cm provided the greatest versatility for diverse physician heights. In ergonomic terms, this combination may reduce physical fatigue and create a potentially safer working environment for seated surgeons.

Identifiers

PMID29070277
PMCPMC5662545

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.