Endurance and Precision in the Operating Room
There is no movement in the operating room in the classical sense. Doctors and surgical teams often work for many hours in virtually unchanged postures. Static loading situations, which put a strain on the entire musculoskeletal system, occur particularly during open surgeries, minimally invasive procedures, or image-guided interventions.
In specialized fields such as vascular surgery, orthopedics, visceral surgery, radiology, or endoscopy, long procedure times are an additional factor – often while simultaneously maintaining the highest level of concentration and fine motor precision. In doing so, the body itself becomes a stabilizing element of medical work.
As the duration of surgery increases, the physical strain rises, particularly for:
- Lumbar spine (LSS) due to leaning forward over the operating table
- Cervicothoracic junction (neck-shoulder area) due to static head posture
- Paravertebral muscles due to constant holding work
- Shoulder girdle muscles during precise instrument guidance
- Lower extremities due to long periods of standing in the OR
These strains not only affect the body, but also key performance parameters in the OR: ability to concentrate, sensorimotor control, and fine motor precision.
How Exoskeletons Support Doctors and Surgeons in the OR
Exoskeletons are body-worn assistance systems that specifically redistribute biomechanical loads in the musculoskeletal system. They reduce static muscle work and support an upright and stabilized posture during prolonged procedures.
It is important to note: They do not interfere with the surgical workflow but solely support the physical aspect of the work.
This results in:
- Reduction of static muscle activity (especially back and shoulder extensor muscles)
- Relief of the paravertebral musculature in flexion-dominated surgical postures
- Reduction of axial load on the lumbar spine
- Reduction of continuous muscle tension in the shoulder-neck complex
- Stabilization of postural control during precise interventions
The goal is clear: ergonomic support without compromising surgical precision or freedom of movement. Especially for prolonged standing activities, solutions like the Chairless Chair can provide additional relief. Its chair-like support relieves legs, knees, and back while maintaining full freedom of movement and meeting the demands of daily surgical work.
Proven in practice
The Chairless Chair has already proven its worth in everyday clinical practice. The video opposite shows Prof. Dr. Kaisidis, Chief Physician at the Clinic for Shoulder Surgery of the Frankfurt Red Cross Clinics, explaining why the Chairless Chair is a valuable ergonomic support during long surgical procedures.
Further insights can be found on the Instagram and TikTok channels of @prof.dr.kaisidis
Reduction of Musculoskeletal Strain in the OR
Static holding work, particularly during surgery, leads to increased activation of the erector spinae muscles (M. erector spinae). This results in increasing fatigue and continuously rising muscular strain throughout the entire surgical procedure.
Depending on their design, exoskeletons can provide biomechanical relief in this context by:
- Reducing muscle activity in the autochthonous back muscles
- Decreasing compression and shear forces on the spine
- Relieving the lower extremities during prolonged standing
- Lowering the subjective perception of exertion during
surgeries
Especially during long-lasting procedures in visceral surgery, orthopedics, or neurosurgery, this can lead to a significantly more stable physical strain situation. By reducing static muscular work, exoskeletons can also help to delay fatigue processes.
Developed for industrial everyday use
A stable posture is a fundamental prerequisite for precise work in the surgical field. Even minor muscular instabilities can affect fine motor skills.
Exoskeletons support postural stability through biomechanical relief and even load distribution.
This leads to:
- improved physical stability during long procedures
- more consistent postural control in the shoulder and torso area
- support for fine motor precision work in the surgical field
- reduced physical micro-fatigue during sensitive procedures
Testing Exoskeletons in the Operating Room
Every operating room and every specialty has different requirements in terms of ergonomics and physical endurance. That is why it is important to evaluate the appropriate solution under real-world conditions.
Would you like to learn how exoskeletons can support doctors and surgical teams during long procedures? Give us a call or contact us for a personal consultation. Together, we will discuss the potential applications in your clinical environment and show you which solution is suitable for your requirements.
Trial phases are, of course, also possible so that you can experience the benefits of an exoskeleton directly in your everyday work routine.
Get a non-binding consultation now and test exoskeletons.
