Work-related pain was common in studies of plastic surgeons
A review estimated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, but substantial differences between studies and possible publication bias limit confidence in the pooled figure.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Work-related musculoskeletal pain was common among plastic surgeons in this review. The pooled estimate covers pain within the reporting period, rather than new cases during follow-up. It describes an occupational burden without showing which working conditions caused pain or whether any ergonomic intervention would reduce it.
The authors report substantial variation between studies and possible publication bias. This abstract-based account cannot assess individual study methods, and microsurgery was heavily represented, limiting how confidently the findings can be generalised.
What researchers found
Work-related musculoskeletal pain prevalence
Pooled proportion among plastic surgeons over a 12-month period; no intervention or comparator group.
Pain in different regions
The review also reported pain in the neck, back and shoulders. These estimates describe where pain occurred, but the analysis does not identify which surgical tasks or working conditions were responsible.
What prevalence can establish
The researchers pooled prevalence data without testing a workplace change. Although the authors called for ergonomic interventions and institutional support, this analysis does not establish whether a particular prevention strategy would help.
The original publication
Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain Among Plastic Surgeons: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Saddique MN, Shahid F, Moazzam E et al.
J Surg Res · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41101033
- Record checked
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