Ergonomic aspects in routine transvaginal ultrasonography

Abstract

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is a noninvasive diagnostic test, performed by transvaginal route, used for the evaluation of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries and cervix and provides images of pelvic structures with higher resolution compared to the examination performed abdominal approach. The technique is also used in prenatal care. Although the TVS is a safe technique, which uses no ionizing radiation and widely used throughout the world, diseases related to professional activities of sonographers, especially musculoskeletal disorders, has been frequently reported in the literature. Objective: to present a literature review on ergonomics at work of the sonographer will help to identify and to minimize risk factors for medical sonographers who perform the TVS and constitute the objective of the present study. Results: about 80% of physicians report pain when performing ultrasound. The consequences can range from reduced quality of life for the complete cessation of professional activity. After the joint disorders mainly affecting the upper neck and limbs, the deterioration of visual acuity is the second most commonly reported condition. Conclusion: the causes of these disorders are multifactorial and therefore require a variety of solutions to reduce the risk of injury. The posture of the sonographer, their work schedules and ergonomic ultrasound machines can help reduce its incidence.