A Study of Grip Strength in Residents and the Relation to Surgical Instrumentation Use, Gender, and Glove Size

Background One factor related to ergonomics in surgery is the ability to comfortably use surgical instruments. This study investigates the relationship between grip strength and subjective ability to use surgical instruments. Methods General surgery residents were included. Grip strength was measured using a standard instrument, and surveys querying ease of instrument use and pain were administered. Results 20 out of 69 residents participated (39.1% response rate). Male participants had a higher grip strength and greater grip strength correlated with larger glove size. A third had pain related to operating. Two-thirds reported difficulty with the use of at least one surgical instrument. Grip strength was not associated with difficulty of use of surgical instruments. Conclusions This study demonstrates that grip strength may not be a useful metric for assessing ergonomics of instruments. There is a broader need for instrument redesign given that difficulty using instruments and pain affects many trainees.