The aim of the following study was to identify contributing factors in the development of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in Ultrasound Sonographers involved in Obstetric and Gynaecological scanning. The methodology involved a cross-sectional study of Sonographers in one hospital. The methodology included the use of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) to identify the exposure to postural risk, static muscle work and repetition, and the use of an adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to evaluate the frequency and distribution of musculoskeletal problems. Fourteen participants were assessed in the workplace. The RULA analysis identified that the task element with the highest risk factor within this sample was scanning patients; it was found that the participant spent between 31% and 39% of their working time doing this in a 26-hour week. The results from the questionnaire found that 64% had experiences one or more combined physical problems over the previous 12 months, with the shoulder joint (57%), cervical spine (50%) and wrist and hands (50%) identified as the most frequently reported problems. The study highlights the prevalence of self-reported symptoms among sonographers and the postural constraints individuals have to adopt while working. Suggestions are proposed to reduce the risks via adjustable work equipment, education in using adjustable equipment, work organisation changes and the use of arm supports.
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