The musculoskeletal health of hip surgeons: a national study

BACKGROUND: The forceful, repetitive nature of hip surgery places surgeons at elevated risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injury. This study investigated the prevalence of MSK conditions among hip surgeons, assessing the relationship between workplace/lifestyle factors and overall MSK health. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among consultant hip surgeons in the UK using an online survey comprising 22 questions. The survey was distributed to members of the British Hip Society, with 114 completed responses. Questions focused on the most commonly reported MSK conditions experienced by orthopaedic surgeons in previously published research. MSK burden was measured by the number of conditions reported per respondent. RESULTS: Advancing age, greater years of surgical experience and higher operative workload were all associated significantly with increased MSK burden. Higher body mass index (BMI) was also linked to a greater prevalence of MSK conditions. In contrast, regular physical activity, regardless of type, was protective against MSK injury. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of MSK conditions among hip surgeons, with risk amplified by increased operative workload, age and BMI. Conversely, regular physical exercise was a significant protective factor. These findings underscore the role of both occupational and personal health factors in the development of MSK injuries. Greater attention must be paid to managing repetitive overuse injuries associated with surgical volume and promoting a culture of physical wellbeing in the orthopaedic community. Addressing these risk factors may reduce sickness absence, mitigate MSK burden, support healthier and longer careers, and ultimately improve surgical performance.