A New Approach to Quantifying Muscular Fatigue Using Wearable EMG Sensors during Surgery: An Ergonomic Case Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Surgeons are exposed to musculoskeletal loads that are comparable to those of industrial workers. These stresses are harmful for the joints and muscles and can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and working incapacity for surgeons. In this paper, we propose a novel ergonomic and visualization approach to assess muscular fatigue during surgical procedures. (2) Methods: The activity of eight muscles from the shoulder girdle and the cervical/lumbar spines were evaluated using position and electromyographic wearable sensors while a surgeon performed an arthroscopic rotator-cuff surgery on a patient. The time and frequency-domain variables of the root-mean-square amplitude and mean power frequency, respectively, were calculated from an electromyographic signal. (3) Results: The entire surgical procedure lasted 73 min and was divided into 10 sub-phases associated with specific level of muscular activity and fatigue. Most of the muscles showed activity above 60%, while the middle trapezius muscles were almost constantly activated (>20%) throughout the surgical procedure. (4) Conclusion: Wearable sensors can be used during surgical procedure to assess fatigue. Periods of low-to-high activity and fatigue can be evaluated and visualized during surgery. Micro-breaks throughout surgical procedures are suggested to avoid fatigue and to prevent the risk of developing MSD.