2014 Volume 90 Issue 3 Pages 94-104
Ultrasonography suffers the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study is to explore the improvement measures for risk reduction that takes into account the examined region and the type of subjects. Seven sonographers who worked in a hospital were surveyed. Analysis of working postures was conducted for two body types of the subjects (standard and obese). Several postures in abdominal and cardiac ultrasonography were demonstrated to have a risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The effect of physique difference of the subject was observed in some working posture angles. If the subject was obese, the frequency of the elevation of the upper arm and the inclination of the upper body increased. To prevent musculoskeletal disorders of sonographers, it is confirmed important to adjust the ergonomic design of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The improvement of related equipment is also found necessary. In particular, it is suggested that the adjustment of the examination table height was essential to reduce the workload by taking the specific working postures in ultrasonography.
