Musculoskeletal pain and injury in sonographers, causes and solutions

Abstract

Introduction: Scanning a patient involves pushing a heavy transducer and a heavy cord while simultaneously leaning over a patient, using the keyboard and viewing the screen. Even with good patient and machine position, a sonographer's upper limbs can be abducted up to 90º from the body that can place the body under stress. International statistics indicate that 80–95% of sonographers experience work-related pain, 90% experience this pain for more than half their career and one in five sonographers sustain a career ending work-related injury. Methods: The sonographer safety initiative is a collaborative effort between sonographers, biomedical engineers in SA Health, Flinders Biomedical Enterprises and GE Healthcare; with the goal to investigate sonographer work-place injuries. A 6-month study was conducted that reviewed literature, compensation claims, injury reports, and surveyed sonographers and relevant stakeholders. Results: Information regarding the social/cultural, physiological/environmental and technological issues in current practices was collected along with the causes and rates of sonographer injuries. Discussion: Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant concern for sonographers with detrimental effects on the individual and the employer. Sonographers are reluctant to report or claim these injuries, which mask the problem and prevent it from getting the traction it requires.