Musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The job of sonographers exposes them to numerous ergonomic risk factors, making the sonography profession one of the high-risk job groups vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The present systematic review and meta-analysis specifically examined the prevalence of MSDs among sonographers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review study was carried out in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol of the study was registered in the international prospective register of systematic review (PROSPERO) with the code CRD42024507972. Searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar, without imposing a time limit until February 7th, 2024. The random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis, and the I2 index was used to assess heterogeneity among studies. Finally, data analysis was performed using STATA (version 14).

RESULTS

Based on the search in different databases, a total of 4367 articles were identified. Finally, after screening, selecting, and quality evaluation of the studies, 30 studies were considered for meta-analysis in which 13,916 sonographers were examined. According to the results of the meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of MSDs among sonographers was reported as 75.80% (95% CI: 65.37-86.23, I2 = 99.7%, P < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence rates of these disorders in the neck (63.73%), shoulder (60.13%), upper back (53.69%), lower back (49.84%), wrist (44.41%), elbow (27.46), hip (24.93%), knee (19.59), and ankle (16.92%) were determined.

CONCLUSION

Given the relatively high prevalence of MSDs among sonographers and the importance of reducing specific risk factors associated with their duties, it is recommended to consider solutions such as carrying out ergonomic assessments and interventions, as well as providing training programs and appropriate corrective exercises to mitigate MSDs among sonographers.

Radiographers’ musculoskeletal health in Western Switzerland: WRMSDs symptoms prevalence and risk factors

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a significant occupational health concern in radiographers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe radiographers’ WRMSDs symptoms prevalence and severity, exploring associations with occupational risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore WRMSDs symptoms and occupational risk factors in radiographers of Western Switzerland using an online survey, based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Descriptive statistics were conducted to analyze the collected data, and associative statistics to identify the risk factors related to symptoms. RESULTS: Participants (n = 359) presented a high prevalence of WRMSDs symptoms in the last 12 months (94.7% % ), with a related absenteeism rate of 15.6% . In the last 7 days, symptoms prevalence was 67.7% . The most affected anatomical regions, over both time periods, were the neck (73.0%, 36.8%) and lower back (67.4%, 35.7% ). Associative statistics underlined risk factors affecting significantly radiographers’ health (OR >2) were the “awkward postures” (OR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.78–4.58) and “feeling anxiety/stress at work” both for lower back (OR = 2.38; 95% CI 1.39–4.08), and being a woman for the neck (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.51–4.61). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high WRMSDs symptoms prevalence in Western Switzerland radiographers. Radiographers’ work demands namely for awkward postures increases the odds for WRMSDs symptoms presence, affecting predominantly neck, upper and lower back. Our data suggest that is necessary to better understand WRMSDs in radiographers to be possible the prevention adapted to this specific context.

Fetal Ultrasound Challenges and Solutions for Scanning Pregnant People With Physical Disabilities: A Two-Year Initiative for Adaptation

The Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic provides consolidated pregnancy care, including ultrasound, for people with physical disabilities. Sonography was identified as likely presenting unique challenges for this population. Therefore, over a 2-year period, sonographers recorded notes describing ultrasound techniques and challenges on 136 scans from 23 patients. These notes, along with ongoing communication between sonographers, administrative staff, nurses, and physicians, informed troubleshooting, which included preparing equipment, scheduling extra time with patients, and including support people. Final feedback revealed that sonographers experienced increased comfort and skill scanning people with physical disabilities and felt tht longer booking times, larger space, and partnering with the individual throughout their pregnancy improved quality of care.