ASJ Aesthetic Surgery Journal · 2026

Ergonomics in Careers Dedicated to Rhinoplasty: Prevalence and Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Santos M, Bulut OC, Hohenberger R, Vergeer R, Gonçalves Ferreira M, Datema FR.

PubMed 41206031 Publisher (DOI)

What this paper says

Of 109 consultant rhinoplasty surgeons surveyed, 72% reported work-related discomfort (neck, shoulders, lower back), only 5.3% had ergonomic training, and comfort improved with experience rather than with instruments or technique.

Overview

Rhinoplasty involves long periods in awkward postures with fine repetitive movements. The Evidence-Based Rhinoplasty Research Group distributed a 36-item survey (February-May 2025) collecting demographic, professional and ergonomic data, including Likert ratings of comfort and strain.

Sections of note

109 consultant surgeons responded.
Mean comfort 6.7 (SD 1.7); mean strain 5.2 (SD 2.3).
72% experienced discomfort, mainly neck, shoulders and lower back.
Greater experience correlated with better scores (P < .05); no association with sex, BMI, height, case duration, weekly rhinoplasty time, headlights or loupes.
5.3% had formal ergonomics training; 81.4% wanted ergonomic assessment; 93.8% believed exercise aids career longevity.

What it means for a patient

This paper is about the surgeon's body, not the patient's, but surgeon fatigue and pain are plausible contributors to performance and career length.
Practices that invest in operating-room ergonomics and surgeon well-being may retain experienced surgeons longer.

Why this paper matters

It is the first survey of musculoskeletal burden specific to rhinoplasty surgeons. Limits: self-report, one research group's membership, no objective measures.

Terms

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD): pain or injury to muscles, joints or nerves caused by occupational posture and movement.
Ergonomics: designing work to fit the body and reduce strain.
Loupes: magnifying glasses worn by surgeons.
Microbreak: a short pause during surgery to change posture.

Summary written by rhinoplasty.cc from the abstract, 2026-09-08; not medical advice. The authors' own abstract follows.

From the abstract

“Rhinoplasty is an ergonomically demanding procedure that subjects surgeons to prolonged unfavorable postures and repetitive fine motor movements, increasing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). Nevertheless, ergonomic awareness and training in rhinoplasty remain limited. Objectives: The aim of…”

Excerpt; the full abstract is on PubMed.