Plastic surgeons are more susceptible to developing painful musculoskeletal conditions than the general population – and any other surgical field due to the specialty’s strenuous physical demands and high stress levels, reports a new study in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among plastic surgeons

The study reveals that nearly 80 percent of plastic surgeons surveyed had musculoskeletal symptoms, and the most common factors were long hours performing surgery, tissue retraction and prolonged neck flexion. The results suggest that plastic surgeons need to make their health and well-being a priority inside and outside the operating room. The study’s authors developed a survey to evaluate the prevalence and nature of musculoskeletal injuries in plastic surgeons in the United States, Canada and Norway and to find possible solutions to address these injuries.

Read the full press release at www.globenewswire.com