Epidemiological study of musculoskeletal and ergonomic disorders in surgeon-dentists

Abstract

The literature points out coun- tless cases of pathologies that change the worker’s health in several types of professions, having as etiology repetitive efforts, lesions for cumu- lative trauma or osteomuscular disorders . Among the most sought classes for researches, there are those that are devoted to the bran- ch of computer science, as typists. People who perform their activi- ties in factories, working in seated position, however carrying out relative effort, principally using the trunk and superior members are mentioned very frequently. However, few studies related to the surgeon-dentist’s physical activity in the performance of his/her professional activity are found. In the present research it was tried to evaluate the epidemic profile of work-related osteomus- cular disorders (WROD), having as causes, incorrect ergonomic work conditions, associated to stress, in surgeon-dentists from the Faculdade de Odontologia of the Universidade de Passo Fundo - RS. The sample constituted of thirty-six professio- nals, who agreed to answer a ques- tionnaire specially developed for this research and validated previously by a pilot study. The results from this work revealed high prevalence of os- teomuscular disorders and evidenced the close relation in the disorders that take the professionals and their routine of activities. This proves the need of alert to the odontologic class regarding the preoccupation to be given to their health, because, neglecting it, the surgeon-dentist may affect extraordinarily his/her professional performance, as well as his/her life quality. Key words: osteomuscular disorders, lesions for repetitive efforts, lesion for cumulative trau- ma, carpal tunnel syndrome.