Surgical Ergonomics for Women in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery

Priya Krishna; Anaïs Rameau; Libby J. Smith

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2025.06.001

Surgical Ergonomics for Women in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery

Priya Krishna
, Anaïs Rameau
, Libby J. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The number of women in otolaryngology is steadily increasing, with currently 30% to 40% of all US otolaryngology residents being female. Surgical instruments and equipments have historically been designed for a man's hand, and this puts female otolaryngologists at higher risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). There are strategies to mitigate WRMDs in the OR which can be generally applied but can be further modified for women surgeons. Large-scale improvement must begin at the source, however, engaging industry in meaningful ways to elicit the design of more equitable operating rooms and equipment.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	983-992
Number of pages	10
Journal	Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
Volume	58
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otc.2025.06.001
State	Published - Dec 2025

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Otorhinolaryngology

Keywords

Devices
Ergonomics
Human factor engineering
Wellness
Work-related musculoskeletal disorder
Humans
Otolaryngology
Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures
Occupational Diseases/prevention & control
Operating Rooms
Female
Musculoskeletal Diseases/prevention & control
Physicians, Women

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10.1016/j.otc.2025.06.001

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title = "Surgical Ergonomics for Women in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery",

abstract = "The number of women in otolaryngology is steadily increasing, with currently 30\% to 40\% of all US otolaryngology residents being female. Surgical instruments and equipments have historically been designed for a man's hand, and this puts female otolaryngologists at higher risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). There are strategies to mitigate WRMDs in the OR which can be generally applied but can be further modified for women surgeons. Large-scale improvement must begin at the source, however, engaging industry in meaningful ways to elicit the design of more equitable operating rooms and equipment.",

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Surgical Ergonomics for Women in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Keywords

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