For a study, the researchers aimed to quantify the amplitude and duration of a surgeon’s muscle exertion from pedicle cannulation to screw placement using both manual and power-assisted tools in a simulated surgical environment using surface electromyography (EMG). Using power-assisted tools in spine surgery to facilitate pedicle cannulation through screw placement during open posterior fixation surgery was thought to reduce torque on the upper limb and risk of overuse injury. The use of power-assisted tools for pedicle cannulation through screw placement maintained moderate muscle exertion at low risk for overuse injury for every muscle group. Conversely, with manual technique, the extensor carpi radialis, biceps, upper trapezius, and neck extensors operate at exertion levels that risk the overuse injury for 50% to 92% of procedure time. Power-Assisted tools reduced the average muscle exertion of the biceps, triceps, and deltoid by upwards of 80%. Power-assisted technique protected against the risk of overuse injury. Elevated muscle exertion of the extensor carpi radialis, biceps, upper trapezius, and neck extensors during manual method directly correlated with surgeons’ self-reported diagnoses of lateral epicondylitis, rotator cuff disease, and cervical myelopathy.
