Les Troubles musculo squelettiques au bloc opératoire : Axes de prévention : de l’ergonomie à l’exosquelette
Seance of wednesday 17 june 2026 (Troubles musculosquelettiques au bloc opératoire)
DOI number : 10.26299/888s-ag32/emem.2026.25.09
Abstract
The transition from open surgery to laparoscopic surgery (LS), while highly beneficial for patients due to its minimally invasive nature, has increased the physical workload of healthcare professionals. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are particularly prevalent in this context. Among surgeons, the prevalence of MSDs can reach up to 88% according to Franasiak et al. (2012), with frequent involvement of the neck, shoulders, and trunk. Stucky et al. (2018) also report a higher incidence of MSDs in laparoscopic procedures, mainly associated with prolonged static and non-neutral postures during surgery.
Operating room staff are similarly affected. Scrub nurses (IBODE), nurse anesthetists (IADE), and anesthesiologists report MSD prevalence rates ranging from approximately 40% to 80%, depending on study populations, assessment tools, and work conditions. These variations reflect differences in occupational tasks, ergonomic exposure, and organizational factors within the operating theatre.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery appears to mitigate these physical constraints by improving ergonomics and reducing muscular strain, thereby decreasing the risk of MSD development.
From a preventive standpoint, several strategies are recommended. Ergonomic optimization of the operating environment aims to reduce postural load during procedures. Occupational therapy can help identify and correct high-risk movements, while physiotherapy contributes to musculoskeletal strengthening and injury prevention. Furthermore, improved work organization, including scheduled breaks and task rotation, alongside the potential integration of exoskeleton technologies, may reduce fatigue and enhance occupational comfort and long-term health outcomes for surgical teams.
Operating room staff are similarly affected. Scrub nurses (IBODE), nurse anesthetists (IADE), and anesthesiologists report MSD prevalence rates ranging from approximately 40% to 80%, depending on study populations, assessment tools, and work conditions. These variations reflect differences in occupational tasks, ergonomic exposure, and organizational factors within the operating theatre.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery appears to mitigate these physical constraints by improving ergonomics and reducing muscular strain, thereby decreasing the risk of MSD development.
From a preventive standpoint, several strategies are recommended. Ergonomic optimization of the operating environment aims to reduce postural load during procedures. Occupational therapy can help identify and correct high-risk movements, while physiotherapy contributes to musculoskeletal strengthening and injury prevention. Furthermore, improved work organization, including scheduled breaks and task rotation, alongside the potential integration of exoskeleton technologies, may reduce fatigue and enhance occupational comfort and long-term health outcomes for surgical teams.