Reducing hand fatigue while using surgical scissors is important, not only for your comfort, but also to maintain the precision of your work. Here are some tips to help reduce strain and minimize hand fatigue.

Choose Ergonomic Scissors

First, invest in surgical scissors with ergonomic designs. These scissors are specifically crafted to reduce hand strain and provide a comfortable grip. Look for models with handles that are designed to fit the natural contours of your hand. Spring scissors are another great ergonomic option for delicate applications. Unlike standard ring scissors, the action on spring scissors (like Vannas) allows you to pinch the two blades together to perform the cutting action. The way they fit into your hand offers great visibility and incredible control, and they are perfect for ambidextrous use, too.

Choose Titanium Surgical Scissors

Titanium weighs 40% less than stainless steel, making surgical scissors significantly lighter. This translates into greater comfort with prolonged use. As an added benefit, titanium instruments are non-magnetic, making them ideal in an MRI environment. They are generally non-reflective, which comes in handy for microscopy work or work under surgical lights. When choosing your scissors, keep in mind what you are cutting. Some tasks benefit from heavier scissors. For example, if you’re cutting through a dense tissue like fur, you will want a sturdy pair of scissors.

Select Appropriate Scissor Size

Choose surgical scissors that are the right size for your hands and your specific task. Using scissors that are too large or too small can contribute to hand fatigue. Make sure the handles are not too far apart or too close together.

The scissors’ handles should fit your hand. You should not have to stretch or strain to open or close them. Also make sure the finger holes are large enough to comfortably fit your fingers. If the rings on the handle are too small, they can cause discomfort or limit your control of the instrument. If you have large hands, you will want scissors with longer handles and larger rings. For smaller hands, select shorter handles. As a general rule, the depth of an incision should match the length of the scissor blade. For tiny incisions, use scissors with short blades, and for deeper cuts, use longer blades.

Maintain Proper Hand Posture

Pay attention to your hand posture while using surgical scissors. Keep your wrist straight and avoid excessive bending or twisting. Maintaining a neutral and comfortable hand position can reduce strain on your muscles and joints. Avoid excessive flexing and extension of the hands. Avoid bending your wrist too much in any direction.

Keep your fingers straight and aligned with your hand and forearm. Avoid bending your fingers too much at the knuckles. When using ring scissors, place your thumb in the larger finger hole of the scissors, and position it comfortably against the inside of the ring. Your thumb should be relaxed, not excessively bent, or extended. Do not grip the scissors too tightly but maintain a relaxed grip.

Always keep your elbow close to your body at a comfortable angle. Elevating your elbow can cause shoulder or neck strain. Adjust the height of your chair or table so that your forearm is parallel to the ground. Avoid hunching over your work.

Hand Exercises & Breaks

Before starting a surgical procedure, perform gentle warm-up exercises for your hands and fingers. This can help improve blood circulation and flexibility, reducing the risk of fatigue. Also try to incorporate hand-strengthening exercises into your daily routine while you are driving, waiting in line, or watching a show. Strengthening the muscles in your hands and fingers can enhance endurance and reduce fatigue.

Schedule short breaks during lengthy procedures to allow your hands and fingers to rest. Performing hand stretches and exercises during breaks can also help prevent stiffness and fatigue. For example, biomechanist Katy Bowman demonstrates some easy hand exercises in her video: Gentle Exercises to Care for Stiff Wrists and Hands. Consult with a Physical Therapist for personalized exercises.

Use Sharp Scissors

Ensure that your surgical scissors are sharp. Dull scissors require more force to cut, increasing the strain on your hands. Surgical scissors with tungsten carbide inserts maintain a sharp edge longer than standard surgical scissors. Another fine choice is SuperCut scissors, which have one micro-serrated blade and one razor sharp blade for crisp, clean cuts. SuperCut scissors also hold an edge longer. Always replace dull scissors.

Proper Technique

Ensure that you are using the correct cutting technique. With your thumb in the large ring, place your index and middle fingers in the smaller finger hole. The fingers should guide the movement of the scissors. Avoid applying excessive force, and let the scissors do the work by engaging the full length of the blades during a cut. Using a smooth, controlled motion is less likely to cause strain. Avoid abrupt movements. Notice your cutting direction. If you are right-handed, cut to the right of your hand, and if you are left-handed, cut to the left. Adjust the position of the material you are cutting, if you need to.

Grip Techniques

Experiment with different grip techniques. Some professionals find that alternating between different grips during a procedure can distribute the workload and reduce localized stress. For example, when using an open grip, the thumb remains in the larger ring, and the index and middle finger are placed on the outside of the smaller ring. When using a thumbs-up grip, place the scissors in a vertical position with the thumb pointing up and your fingers in the smaller finger holes. If you use a palmer grip, all your fingers and thumb are placed on the outside of the finger rings.
 
Overall hand health is crucial. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain when you are using surgical scissors. If you experience persistent hand pain, consult with a healthcare professional. If you experience prolonged or severe hand fatigue, seek guidance from occupational health experts who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. World Precision Instruments offers a large variety of ergonomic and spring scissors, as well as ring scissors for most applications. 

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