# Shoulder Pain and Disability Scores and the Factors Influencing Them among Orthopedic Surgeons Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

Orthopedic surgeons in Saudi Arabia experience moderate shoulder pain and disability, with body weight and BMI as significant contributing factors.

## Contribution

This study identifies body weight and BMI as significant predictors of shoulder pain and disability among orthopedic surgeons in Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- Orthopedic surgeons had a total SPADI score of 22.79%, indicating moderate shoulder pain and disability.
- Total SPADI scores showed significant positive correlations with body weight (ρ = 0.432) and BMI (ρ = 0.349).

## Abstract

(1) Background: Musculoskeletal pain is common among orthopedic surgeons. Their common musculoskeletal issues include shoulder pain and disability. Many associated factors could lead to this pain and disability; by identifying these, we can prevent orthopedic surgeons’ pain and improve their functional capacity. (2) Methods: This study aimed to gather quantitative data regarding the shoulder pain and disability experienced by orthopedic surgeons. It also aimed to explore the potential correlations between demographic characteristics and work-related factors and their pain and disability. This study interviewed 150 orthopedic surgeons working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, asking questions on the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scale and about their demographic characteristics. (3) Results: All interviewed orthopedic surgeons were male, married, and nonsmokers. Their SPADI pain subsection score was 25.24%, their SPADI disability subsection score was 21.25%, and their total SPADI score was 22.79%. Among the examined demographic characteristics, total SPADI scores have a significant positive correlation with body weight (Spearman’s ρ = 0.432; p < 0.05) and body mass index (BMI; ρ = 0.349; p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Our findings indicate that all orthopedic surgeons generally suffer from moderate shoulder pain and disability. Body weight and body mass index are important factors that may influence shoulder pain and disability among orthopedic surgeons.