Noise exposure during orthopaedic surgery

Abstract

Introduction: There is serious concern on noise hazard in the operating theatre, especially in the orthopaedics field that requires usage of many instruments. However, local data on this noise exposure is rather limited. This study was conducted as a pilot study to investigate the noise exposure in orthopaedics theatre in a hospital in Kuantan, Pahang in June 2011. Methods: Several different orthopaedics theatres involving procedures that use powered instruments were investigated. Time recorded noise exposures were taken using a noise dosimeter throughout the surgeries worn by the surgeons. The peak noise level and the average noise exposure within 8 hours were determined, and compared with available health guidelines, namely the Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations 1989. Results: Six out of seven surgeries which include interlocking nail and plating of femur, Ilizarof insertion, total knee replacement and dynamic hip screw insertion of the femoral head were found to exceed 140 dB(A) for peak sound levels. The average noise exposure within 8 hours was below 85 dB(A) in all cases. Although the average noise level did not surpass the health guidelines, the peak level exceeding 140 dB(A) still carries risk for hearing loss. Conclusions: In conclusion, healthcare personnel in operating theatre were exposed to noise hazard for certain orthopaedics surgical procedures. Hence, proper noise management should be implemented to protect them from noise-induced hearing loss while maintaining the success and efficiency of the surgeries.