Risk of Repetitive-Use Syndromes and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Endoscopists may not be aware of the physical risks to which they are exposed each day as a result of repetitive-use. Repetitive-use, that is repeating motions and actions over and over again as when performing endoscopy, increases one’s risk of sustaining acute musculoskeletal injuries, which ultimately can result in permanent injury and disability. The risks for sustaining injuries from repetitive-use include the duration of activity, the force required to complete the activity, local contact stresses and work postures. The environment in which one works can and does influence injury such as floor surfaces, seating, working heights and over-reaching. Of course injuries occur more frequently in people who are predisposed (one who already has a “bad back” or strained leg muscle), and the injuries are perpetuated by task variability, work rate and work recovery cycles. More commonly, endoscopists complain of low back pain or the recently described “endoscopist’s thumb,” but the entire musculoskeletal system can be affected from head to toes. Symptoms may vary from mild aches and pains to more severe lancinating low back pain to numbness, tingling, atrophy and weakness. These symptoms can result in permanent damage and disability. It is incumbent upon endoscopists and their supervisors to be aware of potential risks, the symptoms and injuries that can result from repetitive-use and to familiarize physicians and their co-workers with techniques to avoid these problems. Those who become injured should seek medical attention early to prevent permanent injury. Repetitive injuries are serious, but they can be prevented.