Comparison of muscular tension of surgeons' back muscles while using tripod microscopes compared to Robotic Scope with vision and control via head-mounted display during cochlear implantation

Introduction Musculoskeletal complaints and fatigue are commonly described symptoms in work of ENT doctors using a microscope. Long-lasting ear surgery procedures are associated with prolonged microscope use, which can lead to unconsciously tense and uncomfortable body posture. The digital microscope RoboticScope (BHS®​) allows visualization of the surgical site through a Head-Mounted Display (HMD), independent of the camera head and thus providing independent head and neck movement. The aim of the prospective study is to investigate to what extent the use of an HMD changes the tension of neck and shoulder muscles of the surgeon in comparison to a conventional tripod microscope.