Abstract
Objective
To stratify ergonomic risk in a urologic microsurgeon using the 4K-3D exoscope versus
the operating microscope (OM) with wearable technology.
Methods
The surgeon was calibrated with wearable sensor inertial measurement units (IMUs)
on the head and upper arms. Each inertial measurement units contained an accelerometer,
magnetometer, and gyroscope to measure surgeon joint angle change during microscopic
procedures for male fertility. The validated modified rapid upper limb assessment
was used to determine the proportion of time spent in ranges of risk. Categories 1-4
were assigned for the head and upper extremities (4= highest ergonomic risk). Chi-squared
analysis was used to analyze differences in proportions.
Results
A total of 500 and 479 minutes from 4K-3D exoscope and OM guided surgeries were analyzed.
The 4K-3D exoscope significantly favored upper arm category 1 positioning compared
to the OM (56.2% vs 37.7%; P < .0001). The OM exposed the surgeon to higher category 3 positioning (14.6% vs 1.6%;
P <.0001). More time was spent with the neck “extended” using the 4K-3D exoscope (51.8%
vs 19.5%; P < .0001) with 67% of neck extension between 0-10° (category 1). Overall, more time
was spent with the neck in risk group 1-2 with the OM (P < .0001).
Conclusion
The 4K-3D exoscope offers favorable ergonomic positioning for the upper extremities
which may reduce work stress-related injury. More operative time was spent with the
neck in mild extension with 4K-3D exoscope utilization. However, the OM favored longer
operative times in low-risk neck ergonomic positions.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 30, 2022
Accepted:
November 13,
2022
Received:
September 12,
2022
Footnotes
Financial Disclosure: The authors declare that they have no relevant financial interests.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
