633 - Smatphone-related musculoskeletal disorders in medical students

Objectives: The aim of our study is to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in medical students using the Nordic scale,
which is a validated tool for detecting MSDs.

Design: Nowadays, technological evolution has made the use of smartphones widespread, especially among young people and students. Prolonged use of this device in a certain posture can lead to MSDs, mainly of the upper limb .

Results: We compiled a list of 50 students who presented to our consultation for management of upper limb MSDs. They were predominantly female (60%), with an average age of 22.5 years. Smartphone use exceeded 5 hours in 46% of cases.
Internet research was the most frequent cause of smartphone use (40%), followed by chatting (38%). The average duration of pain
was 21 days for all locations combined. A right-hand dominance of MSDs (80%) was observed. The most frequent location of MSD was the neck (58%), followed by the shoulder (54%), the elbow (30%) and the wrist-hand (24%).
Because of neck pain, the majority of our patients (51%) were obliged to reduce their activities of daily living (ADLs).
Shoulder pain affected the lives of our students and prevented them from completing ADLs for up to a week. Only 30% consulted a physical physician for treatment of their musculoskeletal problems.

Conclusions: MSDs linked to smartphone use are often underestimated, despite their impact on ADLs in the young student population, who remain the most vulnerable, since the time spent using this device remains fairly high.
To reduce the risk of MSDs, the best remedy is moderation and prevention by adopting ergonomic measures to correct posture, as well as taking breaks.