Transducer user syndrome: an occupational hazard of the ultrasonographer

Since no study to date has assessed the prevalence of scanning-related disorders amongst sonographers in Obstetrics and Gynecology, we distributed a survey to all trained personnel in our ultrasound division. We evaluated the correlation between injuries sustained in the workplace, and factors such...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of ultrasound Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 41 - 45
Main Authors: Schoenfeld, Alex, Goverman, Jeremy, Weiss, Debra M, Meizner, Israel
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.09.1999
Elsevier
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - etiology
Cumulative Trauma Disorders - etiology
Diagnosis
Electrophysiology
Ergonomics. Workplace layout
Ergonomics. Workplace layout. Occupational psychology
Female
Gynecology
Health hazards
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous. Technology
Musculoskeletal Diseases - etiology
Musculoskeletal system
Obstetrics
Occupational Diseases - etiology
Occupational hazard
Occupational medicine
Occupational risks
Posture
Prevalence
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Repetitive strain
Risk Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Ultrasonic investigative techniques
Ultrasonic transducers
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography - adverse effects
Ultrasound
Repetitive strain
Ultrasound
Occupational hazard
Ultrasonography
Human
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Nervous system diseases
Compression
Occupational disease
Gynecology
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Multivariate analysis
Epidemiology
Obstetrics
Mechanical stress
Echography
Risk factor
Peripheral nerve disease
Repetition
ISSN:0929-8266
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Since no study to date has assessed the prevalence of scanning-related disorders amongst sonographers in Obstetrics and Gynecology, we distributed a survey to all trained personnel in our ultrasound division. We evaluated the correlation between injuries sustained in the workplace, and factors such as age, gender, work load and intensity, scanning techniques, previous medical problems, and physical activity. Injuries included one or more of the following: carpal tunnel syndrome; carpal instability; tendinitis; back, shoulder, and neck pain; tingling and/or numbness in the extremities; weakness; and motion restriction. Of the 44 respondents, 29 (65%) have experienced some type of injury or symptom over the course of their scanning career. Five (12%) reported having missed work because of their symptoms, 15 (34%) have received orthopedic treatment (medication or physiotherapy), two (4.5%) have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, and one (2.3%) with carpal instability based on electrophysiological examinations. These results demonstrate that ultrasound scanning in Obstetrics and Gynecology may pose an occupational risk for doctors and technicians.
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ISSN:0929-8266
DOI:10.1016/S0929-8266(99)00031-2