Ergonomics of Colonoscopy: Wrist Postures of Gastroenterologists Performing Routine Colonoscopy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the bilateral wrist postures of gastroenterologists who perform routine colonoscopy. Gastroenterologists are exposed to upper extremity musculoskeletal risk factors such as high pinch forces, sustained muscle loading, and awkward postures; however, to date, no studies have specifically quantified the wrist postures associated with routine colonoscopy. Four experienced gastroenterologists performed 3 to 5 routine colonoscopy procedures while bilateral wrist extension/flexion and radial/ulnar deviation postures were measured using biaxial electrogoniometers. Peak (90^th percentile) wrist extension angles in both wrists (42.6° left; 36.0° right), radial deviation for the left wrist (23.0°) and ulnar deviation for the right wrist (17.83°) across all 4 phases of the colonoscopy procedures exceeded the injury threshold limit values of 26.6°, 17.8°, and 12.1°, respectively, based on carpal tunnel pressure (Keir et al., 2007). The findings suggest that the wrist postures required during routine colonoscopy may present a risk for musculoskeletal injuries at the wrist and forearm.