Ergonomic evaluation of a new rotating, dual position laparoscopic instrument handle

摘要

Due to the restricted access of laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon's hand, wrist and arm are often forced into awkward positions. This is leading to cumulative trauma disorders of the wrist and arm. A unique handle design is described which permits the surgeon, without interrupting surgery, to rotate the instrument handle from a standard pistol grip to an in-line grip. This permits the surgeon to straighten his/her wrist and maintain ideal hand-wrist-arm ergonomics. We evaluated in surgery the ergonomics of this unique handle in conjunction with a detachable shaft system. The ability to rotate the handle allows the surgeon to maintain a greater degree of control and comfort and to avoid abnormal hand/wrist flexion and extension.