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To understand the mechanisms involved that lead to the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonographers, this motion capture study evaluated upper extremity kinematics during kidney scans. The purpose of this study was to provide an evaluation of joint ranges of motion during scanning, which could be helpful in assessing risk of injury. A Vicon MX motion capture system recorded reflective marker positions while four sonographers scanned a volunteer’s kidneys. The results indicated that sonographers were scanning with their shoulders in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The elbows were in flexion and the wrists in extension in all cases with the exception of portions of one scan. Shoulder abduction and wrist extension angles exceeded acceptable published limits. These results could be used to improve patient and sonographer positioning, equipment adjustability, and transducer design.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect a large percentage of diagnostic medical sonographers. Ultrasound transducer design has been identified as a major contributing factor to hand and wrist strains. The purpose of this study was to determine if the design of the ultrasound transducer affects the amount of pressure exerted by the hands of the sonographer to achieve a quality scan. The study also aimed to determine if the amount of pressure exerted on the transducer relates to the subjective pain level reported by the sonographer. The study found that the average maximum pressure and average force exerted was higher when scanning with a small transducer compared with a large transducer, and the thumb typically exerted a much greater pressure and force. Sonographers reported pain during the scan trials, as well as throughout their typical workdays, leisure pursuits, and daily activities.