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Prevalence and Career Impact of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Sequelae among Pediatric Urologists: A Survey of Attendees of the 2025 SPU/ESPU Meeting
Meghan Davis, MD MPH1, Leah Beland, MD1, Tyler Gaines, MD1, Andrew T. Gabrielson, MD2.
1Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and injury are common occupational hazards among surgeons, yet their prevalence and impact among pediatric urologists are not well defined. We sought to determine the frequency of MSK pain and injury among pediatric urologists and assess how these sequelae impact clinical practice among a large, international sample of pediatric urologists.
Methods: A voluntary, anonymous web-based survey was distributed to attendees of the 2025 SPU/ESPU joint meeting. The survey assessed MSK pain frequency, severity, impact on clinical practice and activities of daily living, and prior surgical ergonomics training. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses.
Results: A total of 106 pediatric urologists completed the survey. Respondent demographics are summarized in Table 1. Overall, 86% (92/106) reported MSK pain attributed to performing or assisting in surgery. Among those affected, 36% (34/92) had a related healthcare visit and 14% (13/92) missed work due to pain in the last year. Work-related MSK injury was sustained in 11% (12/106) respondents. Many participants had been diagnosed with one of the following: cervical spine disease (15.1%), lumbar spine degeneration (13.2%), disc herniation (13.2%), arthritis (8.4%), rotator cuff injury (8.4%). As a result of MSK pain or injury 7.5% (8/106) individuals decreased the length of their operating day, 5.6% (6/106) required time off from operating or clinical practice, and 1 required early retirement. Half of respondents (49%, 52/106) were concerned that MSK pain or injury related to performing or assisting in surgery would shorten their career. One-fifth of respondents (19.8%, 21/106) reported that MSK pain or injury affected their satisfaction with their profession, and 41.5% (44/106) reported adverse effects on life outside of work. Fourteen respondents (13.2%, 14/106) reported missing work in the last year due to MSK pain or injury. Few (13/106) respondents reported being very or extremely confident in their ability to optimize their OR ergonomics. The majority of respondents (85%) had never received training on surgical ergonomics but would like to receive such education in the form of a video guide (60%, 32/106) or in-person hands on session (50.5%, 53/106).
Conclusions: This study is the first to describe the frequency and impact of MSK pain among pediatric urologists. Most pediatric urologists experience pain related to performing surgery and nearly half expressed concerns that pain will shorten their career. Although only a minority reported modifying their practice because of pain or injury, the high prevalence of symptoms and limited exposure to ergonomics training suggests opportunities for targeted education interventions. Despite limitations including response bias, these results highlight the need for greater attention to surgical ergonomics and preventative strategies for pediatric urologists.
Demographics| Age, mean (SD) | 46.9 (11.0) |
| Male | 52 (49.1%) |
| BMI, mean (SD) | 24.9 (3.5) |
| Attending Surgeon | 91 (85.8%) |
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