Contribution of positioning to work-related musculoskeletal discomfort in diagnostic medical sonographers

Abstract

Background Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort due to work exposure is experienced by 90% of sonographers. Survey research has provided a wealth of information to document this problem, but few studies have attempted to directly measure and identify the source of these disorders. Objective This pilot observational study was conducted to obtain direct measures of the relationship of sonographers to their environment during the completion of sonographic examinations. Methods The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to evaluate the positions of five sonographers during 24 sonographic examinations. The observed positions were compared among the various examinations and the association of these observed postures to discomfort, sonographer height, and exam table height was evaluated. Results All participants reported an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort at the end of the workday. Overall RULA scores ranged from 3.11 to 5.00 with upper extremity venous Doppler and transvaginal pelvic examinations averaging the highest. Increasingly poor upper extremity positioning was positively associated with increased musculoskeletal discomfort (r = 0.53, p <0.01). Conclusions Regardless of the examination being performed, sonographers are working in positions that require further evaluation and intervention. Longitudinal studies are needed that evaluate the inter-relationship of biopsychosocial risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries.

Prevalence and Risk factors for Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sonographer of Sindh Province Pakistan

“…The mean duration of WRMDs reported was 30.48 months (ranging from 2 to 120 months), which affects daily routine life of 64.22% Sonographer. To know the severity of pain visual analogue score (VAS) on Likert Scale from 1-10 was used, however for statistical purpose the variable was converted into ordinal as mild (1 -4), moderate (5-7) and severe (8)(9)(10). Overall the WRMDs disorder was reported as severe by 45.9%, moderate by 33% and mild by 21% of the participants.…”

Radiologic and Sonography Professionals’ Ergonomics

“…Conclusions drawn from this research suggested that to reduce WRMSDS, specific risk factors and ergonomic solutions must be identified for each type of scan. 22 A study by Roll et al 23 collected observational data using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), a tool that produces a score from 0 to 7 indicating the degree of exposure to physical risk. Their results determined that the participants noted a RULA score of 0.67 at the beginning of the day and a score of 2.38 at the end of the day, indicating that pain increased throughout each participant's workday.…”

Work Related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Sonographers and Providers: The Grand Challenge

“…Employer related costs, from both direct and indirect measures, has been estimated to be 120 billion US dollars each year. In fact, just absenteeism and lost work time alone cost employers approximately $21 153/week according to Roll et al [5]. Recognition of this condition is vital, as it can only be prevented and addressed once it is acknowledged and prioritized.…”