Ergonomic Risk of Abdominal Ultrasonography in Veterinary Radiology Workers

Musculoskeletal symptoms related to work activities are reported by 65-91% of human patient medical sonographers performing ultrasounds. Data on the injury risk of veterinary ultrasound only exists in the form of self-reported questionnaires; there is no observational data to support perceived ergonomic risk. This observational study is designed to investigate the level of ergonomic risk associated with veterinary ultrasound by generating ergonomic risk scores using AI-powered commercial software (Tumeke Ergonomics). An action level based on a RULA (rapid upper limb assessment) score, and a safety rating based on the RHSI (revised hand strain index) score were generated from 95 videos of a convenience sample of veterinary sonographers. Risk factors for musculoskeletal injury risk were examined by evaluating individual scores for the 7 main organs scanned during abdominal ultrasound sessions. Risk of long-term musculoskeletal symptoms were identified for all ultrasounds; 41% required possible changes to practice, 55% required change soon, and 4% required change immediately. Unsafe hand strain indices were identified for 19% of ultrasounds and were significantly associated with scanning of the right adrenal gland of the patient (57% of right adrenal gland scans, p<0.001).  Our findings suggest that veterinary ultra-sonographers face significant musculoskeletal injury risk related to their work.