The use of baropodometric analysis in musculoskeletal disorders of dentists working in orthostatic posture – a series of 3 cases

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by incorrect working posture among dentists is a serious issue and one that leads to decreased productivity and quality of life. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MSDs caused by postural errors in dental healthcare professionals on the body’s center of gravity through a new and innovative technique – baropodometry. METHODS: In this study we included 3 oral healthcare specialists with over 20 years experience of practicing in orthostatism, with confirmed work-related MSDs, and performed a baropodometric analysis on them. RESULTS: According to the analysis, all 3 test subjects had alterations of the body’s center of gravity, with uneven distribution of pressures on the feet being recorded by the baropodometer. CONCLUSION: In an effort to maintain a good field of view and workplace in orthostatism, the subject is forced to adopt an non-ergonomic position that leads to uneven weight distribution, shifted center of gravity that eventually cause musculoskeletal disorders.