The Prevalence of Musculoskeleta Disorders Among Diagnostic Medical Sonograhers

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a group of syndromes characterized by soft tissue discomfort caused or aggravated by workplace exposures. Previous research has shown an increasing concern about musculoskeletal symptoms among diagnostic medical sonographers. The authors' purpose, with this study, is to describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and related work and personal factors among diagnostic medical sonographers. Data were gathered through a survey distributed to randomly selected members of the professional sonographer registry in the United States. Eighty-one percent reported musculoskeletal pain or discomfort that they associated with the work tasks of scanning. The neck, shoulder, wrist, hand/fingers, and back were where pain was reported most often, and the specific activities of manipulating the transducer while sustaining applied pressure, shoulder abduction, and sustained twisting of the neck/trunk were the key activities that aggravated the pain and discomfort. Among those reporting pain and discomfort, a small minority were absent from work. The remainder reported working in pain. Respondents indicated increased work periods without rest breaks and an inability to control work flow to take breaks. However, they indicated general satisfaction with their work environment and corporate culture. Further analyses are required to investigate the strength of relation between musculoskeletal disorders, work, and personal factors.