Jun 15, 2026
Despite growing awareness of ergonomic best scanning practices, the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) is increasing among sonographers, with up to 90% of survey respondents scanning in pain.1,2 Musculoskeletal injuries compromise the well-being of these vital healthcare professionals, can negatively impact job performance and quality and safety of patient care, and contribute to occupational burnout.3
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) strongly advocates for collaborative efforts among employers, sonographers, and equipment manufacturers to promote a safe and supportive work environment. Ongoing annual education in WRMSD prevention, with a focus on ergonomic design and hazard control to reduce risk factors for injury, is of critical importance.4 Workflow strategies should allow for adequate time to complete all aspects of the ultrasound examination and include adequate rest and recovery time. Expert consensus-based minimum examination times for complete scanning protocols have been established to guide these standards.5 Sonographers and clinicians who perform ultrasound examinations should implement ergonomically correct scan techniques, incorporate microbreaks,6,7 and ensure appropriate patient positioning and equipment adjustments at the start of each exam.8
Further research is needed to determine best practices for reducing risk of injury and to further improve the ergonomic design of workstation equipment. Continued advocacy is also crucial to encourage manufacturers to innovate safer equipment and consider protective solutions that mitigate repetitive strain inherent to sonography.
The AIUM’s Practice Principles for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders—developed in collaboration with multiple professional societies—aligns with the Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography, developed through a 2016 Consensus Conference hosted by the SDMS.4,5
References
1. Evans K, Roll S, Baker J. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among registered diagnostic medical sonographers and vascular technologists: a representative sample. J Diagn Med Sonography 2009; 25:287–299. doi.org/10.1177/8756479309351748.
2. Sayeed Y, Sully K, Robinson R. Work-related musculoskeletal injuries in sonographers and providers: the grand challenge. Ultraschall in Med 2020; 41:195–204. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/a-1131-9270.pdf.
3. Bagley J, Amos D, Baldwin, JD. Exploring the relationship between sonographers’ work-related musculoskeletal disorders and occupational burnout. J Diagn Med Sonography 2024; 40:156–163. doi.org/10.1177/87564793231211325.
4. Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography. Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography website. https://www.sdms.org/docs/default-source/Resources/industry-standards-for-the-prevention-of-work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders-in-sonography.pdf. Accessed August 25, 2017.
5. AIUM Practice Principles for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder. J Ultrasound Med 2023; 42:1139–1157. doi.org/10.1002/jum.16124.