How to avoid musculoskeletal injuries by hye

By Hye Lee

1^st Year DMS Student

Montgomery College

How to avoid musculoskeletal injuries

Many people think that sonography is an easy procedure to perform because they only see a sonographer holding a transducer, which is small and light, taking pictures by pressing buttons, a little bit of typing, or telling a patient to take a big breath. However, that is not true. One of the biggest obstacles that sonographers encounter at the workplace is musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). MSIs are caused from minuscule and cumulative trauma to human tissue. Sonographer’s experience pains in common body parts; upper and lower back, neck, shoulder arms, and legs. Bursitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome may be caused by repetitive activities throughout the day. Studies have shown that a frequent source of muscle fatigue and potential injury exists whenever low levels of muscle contraction must be maintained for a long duration. These are the exact body movements that sonographers perform while scanning. Even though the sonography community acknowledges the importance of ergonomics, which makes a safe working environment, MSIs cannot be prevented by ergonomics alone. There should be other approaches to prevent these job-related injuries.

MSIs are has multiple causes. Most sonographers experience pain in their neck, back, shoulder, wrist, hands, fingers, and feet. The main causes of body pain result from poorly designed ultrasound equipment and stretchers, improper body mechanics while scanning, prolonged procedure, insufficient rest or breaks, and repetition of the same type of study for a long periods. Knowing the causes of MSIs is very important because it shows how to reduce and prevent these injuries.

Nowadays many ergonomically designed ultrasound machines have been developed. However, ultrasound machines are so expensive that buying a better version of them whenever a new product is on the market is impossible. Moreover, most outpatient radiology practices use fixed exam tables. As a result, uncomfortable and stressful postures are used while performing the many different types of ultrasound exams. If a bed cannot be adjustable, a chair should be adjusted to provide a more convenient and safe work environment. Remember that adjusting a chair takes several seconds at most, but the pain from awkward body posture stays far longer and may rupture your weakest tendons in your body. In addition, proper room arrangement enables can help eliminate both unnecessary exam time and extra body movements for each procedure. Placing frequently used items such as drape papers, gel bottles, gloves, pillows, towels, and chairs near the ultrasound machine is also helpful to reduce MSIs.

Maintaining good body mechanics is critical to prevent muscular injuries. Sonography requires various movements such as pushing, pulling, picking up, holding, standing, and walking, etc. Because ultrasound machines are very heavy, sonographers should be cautious whenever they pull or push a machine. Slightly bending arm position reduces shoulder and back injuries when moving ultrasound equipments. Bending the legs instead of bending at the back is necessary whenever picking up or putting back exam pillows, drape papers, or probes. Positioning the feet shoulder wide apart while standing is also a good way to maintain proper whole body alignment. Lightly gripping the transducer lessens unnecessary wrist tension. Instead of leaning over the patient, ask the patient to move closer to the sonographer to reduce back pain. Being aware of good body mechanics as much as possible will keep sonographers from developing MSIs.

Taking a short break between scanning is also effective in reducing MSIs. Simple and short stretches, even 5- 10 seconds, for the neck, shoulders, back, and legs will lessen and prevent repetitive strain injuries. Stretches as a ritual after two or three exams are an effective way to increase blood circulation of that body part and to decrease chances of MSIs. Not only at work but also at home, MSIs prevention activities can be performed to prevent muscle injuries and strengthen muscles in the body. The stronger the muscles, the less muscle injuries there will be.

Sonography is a complex process which requires repetitive muscle movements numerous times a day, a week, a month, and a year. To accomplish this multi tasks continuously without musculoskeletal injuries, various preventive components should be considered and performed every day. Ergonomic environments, a good body mechanics, regular exercises, and a balanced diet work together to protect the body from work-related injuries of sonographers.

What would you do to reduce your risks of MSIs?

References

Craig, Marveen. Essentials of Sonography and Patient care. 2nd ed. St. Louis;Sounders. 2006. pp. 55-73.

Donatelle, Rebecca. Health The Basics. 8^th ed. New York; Prarson. 2009. pp. 250-286, 320-345.

Pryor, Esther & Minda Goodman Kraines. Keep Moving. 4^th ed. Mountain view; Mayfield Publishing Company. 2000. pp.65-77.

Reece, Campbell. Biology. 7^th ed. New York; Pearson. 2005. pp. 39-53, 141-157.

Baker,J.P. & S.L. Murphey. Ultrasoud Ergonomics. hppt://www.sdms.org/pdf/ergowhitepater.pdf. Retrieved 2/28/2010.