By Michael Cursaro, B.MedSc, DMU, Cardiac Diagnostic Suite, Royal Adelaide Hospital; Jenna Rich, B.Sc Hons, Cardiac Diagnostic Suite, Royal Adelaide Hospital; Vanessa Alvaro, B.Physio, Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; Julie Bradley, MD, Cardiac Diagnostic Suite, Royal Adelaide Hospital; Mitra Shirazim, MD, Cardiac Diagnostic Suite, Royal Adelaide Hospital; Shelley Edwards, B.AppSc (OT) Hons, Occupational Therapy, University of South Australia .
Forward from Elizabeth McIlwain, Council Chair: When I began scanning in the mid-1980s, the term “ergonomics” was not often applied to our profession. Fortunately for me, one of the sonographers in the lab had recently undergone surgery to correct a muscle related problem caused by scanning. Because of this, our lab was aware of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) several years before they were a routine consideration in our field. Today we have many ergonomic tools available to assist us. Beds and chairs are height adjustable, maneuverable, and provide easy access to all scanning windows. Ultrasound systems are designed to address sonographer ergonomic issues. These ergonomic friendly tools should be a part of all cardiovascular ultrasound labs. I would like to use this month’s communication highlight the most basic of “tools” we all have—the responsibility of caring for our bodies by taking steps to prevent injury .
The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in the sonography profession is well documented. Common areas of discomfort and injury include the shoulders, neck, upper/lower back, wrists and hands. Symptoms can range from transient discomfort to permanent disability. As regular stretching plays an important role in injury prevention, we offer, below, a stretching program that has been developed specifically for sonographers. This has been well received in our practice and has become seamlessly embedded in our daily routine.
According to an Australian survey, “ the incidence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort experienced by sonographers since starting scanning was 95.4%. ” Injury prevention must be a priority for sonographers and their employers. One recommendation to help reduce injuries is for sonographers to engage in regular stretching. According to a departmental ergonomic assessment, “ all ultrasonographic staff should be performing a series of pause exercises… during the course of their day to reduce the risk of cumulative injury. ”
As a part of our department’s occupational health and safety program we developed a series of stretches that target muscle groups important for sonographers ( Figures 1-9 ). Physiotherapy and occupational therapy representatives were consulted. Only stretches that were practical for the workplace were included; floor exercises were excluded on this principle. Stretches are each held for 15 seconds. The program takes approximately five minutes and is performed by sonographers prior to starting a routine list. Sonographers are instructed to “ not stretch to the point of pain—the stretch should pull, not hurt .” Staff are encouraged to consult with their healthcare professionals to tailor the program for their individual requirements.
