BULLETIN VOL 1 NUMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 1998 Ergonomics in Ultrasound Geoffrey Stieler MappSc Clarke and Robertson Radiology, St Andrew's Hospital, Ipswich, Queensland
To the independent observer, it would appear that sonographers have a less than physically demanding job. It may appear to some that sonographers just sit on a chair all day waving a light instrument over the patient's body. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Sonographers who have been in the industry for a number of years will be well aware that scanning can be physically demanding and lead to a number of work-related injuries.
Several studies 1-7, mostly North American, have been performed in order to demonstrate injuries which could be attributed to scanning. The studies revealed injury rates of between 50 and 90% in the sonographers surveyed. Females are twice as likely to suffer an injury, as are those who have been scanning ten or more years.
The recognition of the ergonomic problems of sonography is relatively new. Ultrasound is a quite recently developed profession, and it has only really been in the last fifteen years that large numbers of full-time sonographers have been practicing. Ultrasound presents a unique problem for ergonomists, in that the vast majority of the work is performed to the side. Much of sonography requires awkward positions leaning away from one's centre of gravity. Sonographers new to the field are often surprised at the downward force needed for some examinations.
Common types of injuries sonographers are reporting include:
The following article discusses possible causes of injuries in sonography, and proposes some methods to reduce injuries, or even to prevent them before they occur. In association with a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, and an optometrist, strategies have been devised which should be employed by sonographers in order to minimise the risk and effect of injuries.
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