Abstract
A survey was administered to a random and convenient sample of registered diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) and vascular technologists (VTs). An invitation to complete the survey on a secure Web site was sent to 5200 registrants, yielding the largest subject sample to date of 2963 completed surveys (57% response). Data relative to the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) were analyzed and compared to other WRMSD research over the past decade. Results indicated that 90% of respondents were scanning in pain, a 9% increase since the last large-scale survey in 1997. Across all demographics, shoulder pain is most common, with older and more experienced sonographers having more finger, hand, and wrist pain than other groups. Pain continues to be related to pressure applied to the transducer, abduction of the arm, and twisting of the neck and trunk. Ergonomic equipment and education are provided by application specialists; however, the incidence of WRMSD appears to be unabated. Higher order research, including randomized trials, with education and ergonomic interventions is needed to protect DMS and VTs who are necessary to meet increasing health care demands.