Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42662662›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in public health2026

Evidence-based ergonomic parameters for safer surgical practice: a systematic review.

Jacqueline Wright, Erika Oki, Gonzalo Mariscal, Carlos Barrios

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–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

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

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.

Jacqueline WrightMizuho OSI, Union City, CA, United States.
Erika OkiMizuho OSI, Union City, CA, United States.
Gonzalo MariscalInstitute for Research on Musculoskeletal Disorders, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
Carlos BarriosInstitute for Research on Musculoskeletal Disorders, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among surgeons and are primarily associated with sustained non-neutral postures, inadequate visualization, improper table height, and insufficient adaptation to individual anthropometry; therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on ergonomic risk factors and define evidence-based parameters for safer surgical practice. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search of multiple databases was conducted using predefined eligibility criteria, including studies evaluating surgeon anthropometry, visualization techniques, table height, muscle activity, posture, and ergonomic accessories; findings were qualitatively synthesized across predetermined ergonomic domains such as neutral posture, electromyographic fatigue, spinal kinematics, and ergonomic modifications. Results: Twenty-six studies across laparoscopic, endoscopic, microscopic, otolaryngologic, neurosurgical, and urological procedures were included. Beneficial ergonomic ranges included cervical flexion of 0-10°, shoulder abduction below 30°, trunk inclination under 20°, and minimal neck rotation. Ergonomic redesign reduced trapezius fatigue from 100 to 42%, while monitor-based endoscopy decreased trapezius activity to approximately one-third compared with direct eyepiece viewing. Optimal table height varied widely, commonly defined relative to elbow height or surgeon stature, with required ranges (29-122 cm) exceeding standard table capabilities. Discussion: Surgeon ergonomics is strongly influenced by operating room design, visualization setup, and anthropometric variability, and current equipment frequently fails to meet evidence-based requirements, supporting the need for redesigned surgical tables, improved visualization systems, and integrated ergonomic accessories to reduce strain and enhance long-term occupational sustainability.

Indexed as

ErgonomicsMusculoskeletal DiseasesOccupational DiseasesSurgeonsSurgical Procedures, OperativeBiomechanical PhenomenaHumansPostureRisk FactorsWorking Conditionsergonomic interventionsmusculoskeletal disordersoperating room designpostural biomechanicssurgeon ergonomics

Identifiers

PMID42662662
PMCPMC13520068

What OpenQuestion holds

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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.