Treatment of MSD’s begins with a timely and accurate diagnosis. A thorough history and physical, as well as lab tests, will help determine if other conditions are involved in the development of the injury. Once diagnosed, MSD’s can be treated with analgesics, anti-inflammatory medication, steroids, splinting, or surgery. There are some alternative therapies available, some with limited results.
The impacts of MSD’s range from minor discomfort to career-ending injury. There are a number of emotional and financial implications for the individual suffering with an MSD. The impact on the employer include both direct and indirect costs, including replacing injured sonographers and Worker’s Compensation costs.
Treatment for occupational MSD’s has a poor outcome. Therefore, it is imperative that these injuries be prevented. The keys to prevention are EDUCATION and ERGONOMICS. Since MSD’s are caused by multiple factors, injury prevention requires solutions from many sources:
• Employers must be aware of schedules and allow for adequate breaks. They should provide separate monitors so that the patient and the sonographer do not have to share the one on the equipment.
• Exam gloves with textured fingers should be available. These make it easier to grip the transducer.
• Equipment manufacturers must develop more comfortable transducers, lighter cables, and adjustable keyboards and monitors.
• Scanning rooms can be ergonomically designed to fit each individual sonographer, or some rooms can be set up for left-handed scanning so that sonographers can switch arms during the day.
• Exam types should be varied, whenever possible.
Sonographers must be aware of what causes pain and make changes in their work postures.
• A sonographer should properly adjust the exam room chair to fit him or her.
• Sonographers should adjust the patient exam table so that it allows for a comfortable scanning position.
• Sonographers should take the time to position the equipment and the patient close to them to reduce reaching and twisting.
• They should arrange a patient’s room during bedside exams so that they can reach the patient comfortably.
• Sonographers should take many “mini-breaks” where they stop and relax the neck and shoulder muscles, open and close the hand and rest the eyes.
• They can use cushions or bolsters to support the scanning arm.
• Sonographers should also learn and perform several exercises designed to strengthen the shoulder, arms and hands.
• Sonographers should practice good nutrition and get adequate rest to allow their muscles to recover.
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