Effect of Probe Size on EMG Activity of the Wrist and Hand in Diagnostic Sonographers

Medical sonography covers a broad spectrum of specialty areas including vascular sonography, cardiac sonography, and obstetric sonography. Because medical sonography covers such a broad array of clinical needs without the use of ionizing radiation, it has become essential in the diagnosis of many life-threatening diseases [1]. Although sonography is an indispensable tool, it is not without shortcomings. Every year more than 80% of clinical sonographers experience some form of musculoskeletal related pain, with up to 20% suffering from career ending injuries [1, 2]. These statistics make sonographers among the highest at risk groups for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Current research points to the poor ergonomics of the ultrasound transducer as the main factor in the cause of WRMSDs. The awkward upper extremity positions required, the repetitive nature of the movements and the static aspect of the transducer grip have all been implicated in the development of WRMSDs [3]. The purpose of this study was to quantify wrist range of motion and muscle activation during scanning using two different standard ultrasound transducers. The data will be used to inform design of more ergonomic ultrasound transducers