Occupational hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders risk in US orthoptists and clinical pediatric…

Cross-sectionalJournal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus· Jul 2026

Occupational hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders risk in US orthoptists and clinical pediatric ophthalmologists: a cross-sectional survey.

Amanda L Pfeifer, Victoria Wang

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Pediatric OphthalmologyCross-sectionalClinical practiceQ2IF 1.0

Most orthoptists and pediatric ophthalmologists report musculoskeletal symptoms.

Occupational hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders risk in US orthoptists and clinical pediatric ophthalmologists: a cross-sectional survey.

Amanda L Pfeifer, Victoria Wang

Journal of AAPOS · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Ophthalmology

Purpose

To evaluate the prevalence and occupational risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders related to prism use among US orthoptists and pediatric ophthalmologists, focusing on grip style, wrist posture, and usage patterns.

Methods

A cross-sectional, self-administered 22-item questionnaire was distributed electronically via professional listservs between April 4 and May 6, 2025.

n = 64 participants

61%

Results

61%

61% of surveyed orthoptists and pediatric ophthalmologists experienced musculoskeletal disorder symptoms.

n = 64 participants

More results

A total of 64 participants (41 orthoptists, 23 pediatric ophthalmologists) completed the survey.

Common diagnoses included carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, arthritis, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

More results

While no occupational exposure variables reached statistical significance, trends suggested higher musculoskeletal disorder prevalence with greater daily prism use, and grip types involving ≥35° wrist extension.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Our survey results indicate a high prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder symptoms, with grip type and wrist posture emerging as potential risk factors.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

These findings underscore the need for ergonomic education, redesign of handheld tools, and further observational research to mitigate occupational strain in pediatric ophthalmology.

Occupational hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders risk in US orthoptists and clinical pediatric ophthalmologists: a cross-sectional survey.

Occupational hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders risk in US orthoptists and clinical pediatric ophthalmologists: a cross-sectional survey.

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