Overuse syndromes among endoscopists.

A survey of 400 gastroenterological endoscopists was carried out to determine what kinds of overuse syndromes they suffer from as a result of doing endoscopic procedures. The response rate was 72%. Thumb pain, hand pain, elbow pain, low back pain, and possibly shoulder pain all appear to be caused by endoscopy to at least some extent. Physicians who perform the most procedures tend to have the highest risk of developing such problems. Age, sex, practice setting, and hobbies did not seem to have an impact on the overuse conditions identified. These conditions are most likely due to the equipment and technique of endoscopy. Further study is needed to determine the anatomic lesions causing the various pain states, so that they can be treated or prevented.