Upper body position analysis of different experience level surgeons during laparoscopic suturing maneuvers using optical motion capture.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to analyze the posture patterns of surgeons with two different skill levels during laparoscopic surgery using an optical motion capture system. METHODS Twenty participants were divided into novice and expert groups. Their upper body motions during suturing tasks were captured, including average angle and angle variability (shoulder, elbow, wrist), joint fixation, head movement, and thoracolumbar flexion angle. RESULTS Our analysis showed that (1) the arms of the expert surgeons were more loosely held at their sides by about 7°; (2) their elbows were more bent by about 10°; (3) they had a greater change in shoulder angle by about 1.4 times and a more fluid posture; (4) their heads were more stable, particularly in the longitudinal and vertical axes; and (5) their thoracolumbar flexion angle was smaller by about 10°. CONCLUSIONS The posture patterns of different technical level surgeons during laparoscopic suturing maneuvers revealed differences in limb positions. These results may provide new insights into the efficient acquisition of technical skills and reduced physical stress during laparoscopic surgery.