Arm and Neck Pain in Ultrasonographists

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of upper body quadrant pain among ultrasonographists and to evaluate the association between individual ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, and occurrence of neck pain. A hundred and ten Belgian and Dutch male and female hospital ultrasonographists were consecutively enrolled in the study. Data on work-related ergonomic and musculoskeletal disorders were collected with an electronic inquiry, including questions about ergonomics, symptoms and work related factors. Subjects with the screen on their left had significantly more neck pain. Depending on the work space, high-low tables increased the chance on developing neck pain. A screen on eye level caused less neck. Employees with a fixed working space were less susceptible to arm pain. The prevalence of arm pain was significantly higher on the vascular department compared to the radiology, urology and gynecology departments. In the prevention of upper limb pain in ultrasonographists, attention should be paid to the work environment in general, and to the more specific aspects of the ultrasound workstation layout. Primary ergonomic prevention could help the ultrasonographist to work painless during his medical tasks.