Understanding Work Related MSK Disorders In Sonography

Question 1

Common work related injuries

Answer 1

low back pain, tension neck syndrome, shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, tendinitis, De Quervian syndrome, trigger finger, plantar fascitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, sciatica

Question 2

Causes of common work related injuries

Answer 2

repetition-staffing shortages, same types of exams, poorly designed equipment

force-obese patients

awkward positions-the more often and longer the duration that a joint deviates from the natural position, the greater the risk of injury

Question 3

Ways or equipment to reduce work related injuries

Answer 3

cable brace-reduces weight of the transducer

frequent rest

staying in good physical shape, stretching exercises to keep flexible

staying at a healthy body weight (plantar fascitis, joint problems)

ergonomic scan chairs

rest arms on bolsters/cushions

Question 4

20/20/20 Rule

Answer 4

For every 20min of scanning, look 20ft away for 20sec

This is instumental in preventing eye strain

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends 10min breaks for every 2hrs of scanning

Question 5

Environmental stresses

Answer 5

lighting

air quality

overcrowding

Question 6

Commonplace work place stresses

Answer 6

conflict

role ambiguity

role overload

nonparticipation

underutilization

resource inadequacy

Question 7

Internally generated stress

Answer 7

stresses that we cause ourselves

A major factor in the development of burnout and compassion fatigue

stress-defined as anything that stimulates and increases a person’s level of alertness

Balance between too much and not enough

Question 8

Symptoms of stress

Answer 8

fatigue, chronic headaches, irritability, changes in appetite, memory loss, low self-esteem, nervous twitches, cold hands, high blood pressure, shallow breathing, lowered sex drive, insomnia/other sleep pattern disorders

Question 9

Ways to reduce internally generated stress

Answer 9

positive attitude (helpful in short term situations)

getting extra sleep

regular exercise

talking with co-workers, professional massage, favorite treat, movie, etc.

Question 10

Burnout

Answer 10

Chronic work related stress

termed in the 1970s

symptoms include:

poor motivation, decreased performance, job dissatisfaction

Question 11

ways to prevent burnout

Answer 11

change in shifts

possible change of location

change of job duties

Question 12

Compassion fatigue

Answer 12

unique to those in healthcare and caregiving professions

demand between patient’s demands and employer demands

not relieved by change of shifts or duties

Question 13

Symptoms of compassion fatigue

Answer 13

Conflicted feelings about loyalty to patients vs. departmental policies

Constantly thinking of work problems when outside of work

Unusual reactions to daily problems

Grief over loss of ideals

Physical/mental exhaustion

Cynicism

Anger

Frustration

Feelings of isolation and hopelessness

Question 14

Strategies for combatting compassion fatigue

Answer 14

Establish and maintain good professional boundaries

Empathize, but be detached enough to be objective

Maintain healthy habits, rest, exercise, diet

Give yourself permission to do nothing and to relax

Know ones limits and do not overstep boundaries

Question 15

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 15

Pressure on the median nerve in the wrist

repetitive injury

pain, numbness in hand, shooting pain up arm

Question 16

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 16

Increased pressure on the ulnar nerve

Caused by elbow flexion

Commonly seen in echocardiographers

symptoms:

pain and tenderness around inside area of the elbow

tingling and numbness in the 4th and 5th digit

Question 17

Epicondylitis

Answer 17

Caused by repeated flexion and twisting of the joint

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondyle)

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondyle)

Question 18

Tendonitis/tenosynovitis

Answer 18

Inflammation of the muscle tendon/tendon sheath

Results from overuse of the shoulders, wrists, and elbows

Tenosynovitis specific to the hand is termed De Quervain’s syndrome

35% sonographers affected

Question 19

Bursitis/RCT

Answer 19

Most prevelant work related injury

Unable to bring affected arm out to the side of the body

Question 20

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Answer 20

Can occur with awkward posture during scanning or lifting heavy objects

Inflammation of the nerves causing pain and inability to move the hand, shoulder, or arms

Question 21

Trigger finger

Answer 21

Caused by extended grasping of the transducer

Unable to fully extend or flex a finger due to inflammation of the tendon sheath of the finger