Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists and Application of DMAIC Technique to Improve the Ergonomics at Dental Clinics and Meta-Analysis of Literature

Prevalence of Orthopedic Pains in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the main causes of death and disability and can impose high costs on individuals and countries. Considering the importance of pain, the present meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of orthopedic pains in Iranian children and adolescents.

Methods

The present study was reported in line with PRISMA. The searching process was carried out using keywords, including adolescents, pain, youth, school-age children, shoulder pain, neck pain, shoulder, and neck, AND/OR operators for the articles published during 2000 and 2022 in Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Scientific Information Database, Magiran, International Statistical Institute, and Islamic World Science Citation Center databases. This study reviewed the articles that reported the prevalence of orthopedic pains (i.e., wrists/hands, shoulders, elbows, and knees) among the 5-18-year age group in Iran and extracted their results. Two researchers conducted the search quite independently and extracted the necessary data using a researcher-made checklist. The collected data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA3).

Results

Initially, 418 articles were identified, and 14 articles were entered into the systematic review stage. The prevalence rates of pains related to wrists/hands, shoulders, elbows, and knees were 6.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2 - 13.0), 26.9 (95% CI: 17.0 - 39.7), 2.9 (95% CI: 1.3 - 6.3), and 6.6 (95% CI: 3.0 - 14.2), respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of shoulder and knee pains in individuals under 18 years in Iran was high. Therefore, it is necessary to make necessary interventions and take preventive measures.

Musculoskeletal Pain Among Eye Care Professionals

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate musculoskeletal pain among eye care professionals. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic detailed questionnaire through Google Forms. The structured questionnaire was distributed through various social media platforms targeting eye care professionals. The study included currently practicing ophthalmologists (Consultants, Specialists, Residents), optometrists, and orthoptists. Results A total of 514 eye care professionals participated in the study. The majority were younger than 30 years old (43.8%), with more than half being males (51.8%) and ophthalmologists (55.2%). The prevalence of eye care professionals who were suffering from musculoskeletal pain was 66.7%. The prevalence was significantly higher among females (76.2%) and those over 50 years old (71.4%). Sixty-eight point three percent (68.3%) of participants who don't do running exercises and 92.2% of those with comorbidities suffer from pain. The prevalence of pain among eye care professionals who every week examine more than 150 patients is 72.4%, perform more than 20 surgeries is 85.7%, and conduct more than 20 laser treatment sessions is 100%. Conclusion Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among eye care professionals. This is especially true among females and older adults (>50 years). Among different exercises, running is most protective against musculoskeletal pain. Comorbidities contribute significantly to developing pain.

The Effects of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Professional Quality of Life Among Midwives Working in Delivery Rooms

Background

This study was conducted to determine the effects of musculoskeletal disorders on professional quality of life among midwives working in delivery rooms.

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of musculoskeletal disorders of midwives working in delivery rooms on the quality of professional life.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted with 88 midwives who worked in delivery rooms and delivered babies. The data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL R-IV).

Statistical Analysis Used

The data were analysed with IBM SPSS V23 using MANOVA and path analysis.

Results

Of the midwives, 80.7% reported that they had pain in the waist in the last year. According to the result of path analysis for NMQ and ProQOL R-IV, only the path coefficient between the 12-month disability and burnout was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.012). The multivariate analysis showed that single midwives had higher job satisfaction than married ones (p = 0.030) and those who chose their profession willingly had higher job satisfaction than others (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

It was observed that most of the midwives suffered from low back pain. Additionally, there may be a relationship between musculoskeletal problems experienced by midwives and their professional burnout levels. Relevant strategies to reduce occupational risks, especially musculoskeletal disorders, and to increase the professional quality of life of midwives should be implemented urgently.

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of dentists in Kuwait and the impact on health and economic status

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have become a great health issue among dentists. However, it is never been examined among dentists in the State of Kuwait.

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were to define the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among dentists in the State of Kuwait, to identify risk factors for WMSD, and to explore relationships between WMSD and absenteeism/productivity.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to dentists at government, private, and academic dental clinics.

RESULTS

A total of 186 questionnaires were returned (80% response rate). The results showed that 88 (47%) of responding dentists experienced WMSDs. Dentists self-reporting WMSD were older (36.4 (10.3) years vs. 32.6 (9.33); P = 0.01), in practice longer (11.7 (10.4) years vs. 8.2 (8.4); P = 0.013), and worked longer hours (34.9 (10.6) hours vs. 30.4 (11.5); P = 0.08) than dentists not reporting WMSD. A significant association was found between rating of pain and lost days from work (x2 (10, n = 85) = 20.96, ρ = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Dentists' occupational procedures expose their bodies to prolonged and awkward postures, thereby subjecting the dentists to unnatural forces and stresses on crucial movement and functioning joints. Cumulative exposures to such postures lead to WMSDs. Generally, WMSD has a considerable impact on the health and economic status of the individual, family, and workplace. WMSD increases absenteeism and reduces productivity.

The effectiveness of ergonomics interventions in reducing upper limb work-related musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in sonographers, surgeons and dentists: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the effects of ergonomics interventions on work-related upper limb musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, and on productivity in sonographers, surgeons and dentists. A total of 31 studies were included. All studies reported effects on upper limb pain. Nine studies reported effects on dysfunction and only two studies reported effects on productivity. Moderately strong evidence in reducing upper limb pain was found for instigation of microbreaks into long duration surgical procedures, and the use of wider, lighter handles in dental instruments. Moderate evidence was also found for use of prismatic glasses and favourable positioning in reducing upper limb pain. Weak, inconsistent or no evidence was found for all other ergonomics interventions in reducing upper limb pain and dysfunction and increasing productivity. The lack of high quality research, particularly in sonographers and in the outcome of productivity, should be addressed. Practitioner summary: This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions on upper limb pain, dysfunction and productivity in sonographers, dentists and surgeons. Instigation of microbreaks during long duration procedures and the use of wider, lighter instrument handles were most effective in reducing upper limb work-related pain. Abbreviations: ANOVA: analysis of variance; CLS: conventional laparoscopic surgery; DMAIC: define, measure, analyze, improve and control; GRADE: grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations; HD: high definition; PRISMA: preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses; PROSPERO: The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; RCT: randomised control trial; SILS: single incision laparoscopic surgery; VITOM: video telescopic operative microscope; WNSWLHD: Western New South Wales Local Health District; WMSD: work related musculoskeletal disorder.

Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and associated conducted therapy approaches among dentists and dental assistants in Germany

Background

Dental professionals are subjected to higher risks for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than other professional groups, especially the hand region. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of hand complaints among dentists (Ds) and dental assistants (DAs) and examines applied therapies.

Methods

For this purpose, an online questionnaire analysed 389 Ds (240female/149male) and 406 DAs (401female/5male) working in Germany. The self-reported data of the two occupational groups were compared with regard to the topics examined. The questionnaire was based on the Nordic Questionnaire (self-reported lifetime, 12-month and 7-day MSDs prevalence of the hand, the conducted therapy and its success), additional occupational and sociodemographic questions as well as questions about specific medical conditions.

Results

30.8% of Ds affirmed MSDs in the hand at any time in their lives, 20.3% in the last twelve months and 9.5% in the last seven days. Among DAs, 42.6% reported a prevalence of MSDs in the hand at any time in their lives, 31.8% in the last 12 months and 15.3% in the last seven days. 37.5% of the Ds and 28.3% of the DAs stated that they had certain treatments. For both, Ds and DAs, physiotherapy was the most frequently chosen form of therapy. 89.7% of Ds and 63.3% of DAs who received therapy reported an improvement of MSDs.

Conclusion

Although the prevalence of MSDs on the hand is higher among DAs than among Ds, the use of therapeutic options and the success of therapy is lower for DAs compared to Ds.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic practice among dentists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is the second most common cause of disability. MSD due to the occupation are called work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and are common among dentists.

Objective

Assess the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and to identify associated ergonomic practice among dentists practicing in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Dentists practicing in Jeddah were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey. The survey consisted of 20 close-ended questions. The survey included questions regarding demographics, dental practice, general health status, exercising, ergonomic practice, musculoskeletal pain location, the severity of pain using a numeric pain rating scale (0–10), interventions sought, and missed work due to WMSD.

Results

A sample of 234 dentists participated in this study. Prevalence of WMSD was found to be 70%. The most common location for WMSD pain was in the low back (85%) and neck (84.6%). Female dentists and dentists not exercising regularly had an increased risk of WMSD. The prevalence of CTS was 9%, and its risk increased with age and practicing in the private sector. Among the dental specialties, the least to report WMSD or CTS were maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists. The reported ergonomic practice reached as low as 24%.

Conclusion

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and inadequate ergonomic practices were common. Ergonomics training intervention programs targeting dentists is suggested as a preventive measure for longer and healthier career lives.

Prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders in oral health care professionals: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The authors' objective in this systematic review was to describe the evidence for preventive and rehabilitative interventions for musculoskeletal disorders in oral health care.

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

The authors conducted systematic search, screening, and eligibility processes to identify experimental, quasiexperimental, observational, and survey research studies in which the investigators either directly evaluated or predicted the effects of preventive or rehabilitative interventions on the reduction of musculoskeletal symptoms in oral health care professionals.

RESULTS

The authors identified and screened 3,571 unique abstracts, assessed 256 full-text articles for eligibility, and included 34 articles in the review. Investigators in 17 experimental studies described the results of preventive or rehabilitation interventions and in 17 survey research studies predicted or correlated preventive or protective techniques to a reduction in musculoskeletal symptoms. The primary techniques evaluated in the studies included equipment modification, ergonomic training, and physical exercise.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The evidence suggests that magnification loupes and indirect-vision techniques have a positive effect on the reduction of musculoskeletal symptoms. In terms of evaluating intervention efficacy, other techniques have mixed evidence or are limited by low-level study design.

Awareness of ergonomics & work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals and students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

[Purpose] The present research was undertaken to investigate the awareness of ergonomics and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals and students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and to find a mean to decrease the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the future. [Subjects and Methods] A self-administered survey was prepared and disseminated to dental professionals and students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was focused on the awareness of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders. Five hundred and sixty-one participants were included in this survey. [Results] Within the present study, significant differences were noticed among specialists, general practitioners and undergraduate students. Work load (risk factors) had great influence on musculoskeletal disorders in all dental practitioners, and lower back pain was the most common reported disorder among all practitioners. [Conclusion] Most of the respondent dentists seem to work in conditions that aggravate disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the increased prophylactic remedies were directly associated with the increase of the musculoskeletal disorders symptoms. All dentists regardless of their dental specialties, are recommended to apply principles of ergonomics in their daily practice. Moreover, dental ergonomics should be taught to undergraduate students and strictly implemented in the clinics to provide comfortable working environment for all dental professionals.

The prevalence of occupational health-related problems in dentistry: A review of the literature

The study was conducted to report on the scope and prevalence of occupational health related-problems experienced by dentists, dental therapists, and oral hygienists in their practice of dentistry.

BACKGROUND

Professional practice and dental training have many risk factors, and the dental team should be able to recognize these factors to protect themselves. The prevalence of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, stress, percutaneous injuries, ears, and eyes are of concern. The dental team should also not forget hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV as risks in practice. Dental practitioners should protect themselves by self-recognizing risk factors and by maintaining proper working conditions.

METHODS

The study targeted all empirical research, case studies, and systematic literature reviews written in English. All articles selected were subjected to a data analysis process. Data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and reported in a comprehensive table.

RESULTS

The literature addressing occupational health among dental practitioners included mainly cross-sectional studies and review papers (2001-2016). Forty-nine studies were included in the review. Musculoskeletal disorders remain the most researched occupational health-related problems in dentistry. Eye protection compliance was low among practitioners. Percutaneous injuries especially among young dentists and students were still a concern.

CONCLUSION

Occupational health-related problems are still prevalent in current dentistry practice, despite changes in equipment and surgery design. The reported prevalence of occupational related-health problems and other findings of investigative studies highlight the need for continuous professional education and a need to improve clinical practice aspects of dentistry curricula.