Christian Graetz1, Anna Plaumann2, Sebastian Rauschenbach2, Jule Bielfeldt2, Christof E Dörfer2, Falk Schwendicke3. 1. Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany. graetz@konspar.uni-kiel.de. 2. Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany. 3. Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Periodontal scaling might cause musculoskeletal disorders, and scaling instruments might not only have different effectiveness and efficiency but also differ in their ergonomic properties. The present study assessed ergonomic working patterns of experienced (EO) and less experienced operators (LO) when using hand and powered devices for periodontal scaling and root planning. METHODS: In an experimental study using periodontally affected manikins, sonic (AIR), ultrasonic (TIG) and hand instruments (GRA) were used by 11 operators (7 EO/4 LO) during simulated supportive periodontal therapy. Using an electronic motion monitoring system, we objectively assessed the working frequency and positioning of hand, neck and head. Operators' subjective evaluation of the instruments was recorded using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Hand instruments were used with the lowest frequency (2.57 ± 1.08 s(-1)) but greatest wrist deviation (59.57 ± 53.94°). EO used instruments more specifically than LO, and generally worked more ergonomically, with less inclination of head and neck in both the frontal and sagittal planes, especially when using hand instruments. All groups found hand instruments more tiring and difficult to use than powered instruments. CONCLUSION: Regardless of operators' experience, powered instruments were used more ergonomically and were subjectively preferred compared to hand instruments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of hand instruments has potential ergonomic disadvantages. However, with increasing experience, operators are able to recognise and mitigate possible risks.
BACKGROUND: Periodontal scaling might cause musculoskeletal disorders, and scaling instruments might not only have different effectiveness and efficiency but also differ in their ergonomic properties. The present study assessed ergonomic working patterns of experienced (EO) and less experienced operators (LO) when using hand and powered devices for periodontal scaling and root planning. METHODS: In an experimental study using periodontally affected manikins, sonic (AIR), ultrasonic (TIG) and hand instruments (GRA) were used by 11 operators (7 EO/4 LO) during simulated supportive periodontal therapy. Using an electronic motion monitoring system, we objectively assessed the working frequency and positioning of hand, neck and head. Operators' subjective evaluation of the instruments was recorded using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Hand instruments were used with the lowest frequency (2.57 ± 1.08 s(-1)) but greatest wrist deviation (59.57 ± 53.94°). EO used instruments more specifically than LO, and generally worked more ergonomically, with less inclination of head and neck in both the frontal and sagittal planes, especially when using hand instruments. All groups found hand instruments more tiring and difficult to use than powered instruments. CONCLUSION: Regardless of operators' experience, powered instruments were used more ergonomically and were subjectively preferred compared to hand instruments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of hand instruments has potential ergonomic disadvantages. However, with increasing experience, operators are able to recognise and mitigate possible risks.
Authors: Christian Graetz; Paula Fecke; Miriam Seidel; Anne Sophie Engel; Susanne Schorr; Johanna Sentker; Christof E Dörfer; Sonja Sälzer Journal: Clin Oral Investig Date: 2020-05-30 Impact factor: 3.573