The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) have a significant effect on the psychological and physical function of the sonographer. OBJECTIVE: This study is concerned about finding the prevalence of WRMSDs among sonographers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and assessing how to improve future practices and develop guidelines for safe, pain-free ultrasound departments. METHODS: A survey was distributed to sonographers working in major hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (n = 100, 83% response rate). The questionnaire focused on workload and ergonomics, pain existence and history, and the level of the sonographers' awareness of prevention measures and best practices. Ethical approval was obtained from a local Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Eighty-four percent of respondents suffer from pain they associated with their ultrasound practice. The shoulder, back, neck and right hand were the main symptomatic body areas. Low levels of awareness about best practices and safety measures were revealed. There was a strong correlation between the degree of pain suffered and the years of practice, the number of patients scanned per day, and movements during the exam. CONCLUSION: Implementing standards and guidelines for best ultrasound practices is needed to develop better and safer ultrasound departments in Saudi hospitals for every practitioner.