Cause Of Injury In Sonography

One of the common problems facing the world of sonography today are repetitive strain injuries (RSI’s) that are commonly accumulated by sonographers. RSI’s “are the result of the accumulation of small, repetitive stresses on muscle fibers over time” (Brown, 2003). These injuries have been a common topic in sonography for a period of time. Shoulder pain complaints first arose in the 1980’s because the use of the static scanner required an abducted arm. As the industry has moved forward, complaints of wrist, thumb, shoulder, neck and back pain have arose (Curry & Tempkin, 2016). The causes of RSI’s in sonography have been heavily researched and people in the profession are being educated on prevention and treatment of these injuries. These
Due to the long-term injuries that sonographers can acquire, a number of individuals have had to switch professions or reduce their hours of work in the field. Sonographers are impacted with painful symptoms, which lead to completing daily tasks in pain. As the length of time in the profession increases, the injury progresses and long-term disability becomes a concern (Jakes, 2001). A study done by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography states “that work-related musculoskeletal disorder incidents were reported by almost 80% of respondents. Of those, 20% will experience a career-ending injury” (Curry & Tempkin, 2016). One of the most worrying potential impacts on sonography is the thought that if experienced sonographers are lost due to injury, then we are faced with a younger, less experienced group of sonographers. This could lead to negative effects on sonography, and as Jakes stated, “Losing valued sonographers is a price the healthcare industry should not be willing to pay” (Jakes, 2001). There have been solution and/or prevention options offered, but unfortunately not all sonographers take advantage of those options (Jakes,
People now know the causes of muscle injuries in the profession, and the unfortunate impacts they can have on the sonographer. Solutions and reduction ethics have been introduced to the sonography field, and reversal of these injuries are hoped for. Equipment manufacturers have developed ergonomically designed machines, and sonographers and their employers are educating themselves on the topic (Curry & Tempkin, 2016). Every sonographer has to take notice of injury hazards, utilize ergonomic equipment offered to them, and make changes in improper scanning postures. This could lead to a decrease of RSI’s in sonography, and their impact on the profession (Coffin,