Ergonomic Interventions for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Radiology
Summary
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a leading cause of occupational ill health among radiologists and radiographers, driven primarily by prolonged static postures, repetitive movements and suboptimal workstation configuration. Commonly affected regions include the neck, lower back, shoulders and upper limbs, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to disabling pain that can disrupt service delivery and reduce professional longevity. Ergonomic interventions encompass physical, organisational and cognitive strategies. Physical measures involve adjustable monitors, chairs and input devices calibrated to individual anthropometry, along with dynamic workstations that promote postural variation. Organisational approaches include scheduled micro-breaks, workload rotation and workflow redesign to distribute repetitive tasks. Cognitive ergonomic tactics address user awareness and training in optimal posture, visual ergonomics and mental workload management. Recent innovations extend to mobile console interfaces that allow greater freedom of movement and patient-positioning aids—such as adjustable platforms or seating alternatives—that reduce extreme joint angles during procedures. Taken together, these interventions aim to mitigate risk factors, enhance comfort and maintain diagnostic accuracy, thereby supporting global radiology practice and safeguarding workforce well-being.
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Ergonomic Interventions for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Radiology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in ergonomic interventions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in radiology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs): Injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints or spinal discs caused or aggravated by workplace activities.
Ergonomics: The scientific discipline concerned with understanding interactions among humans and other elements of a system, aiming to optimise human well-being and overall system performance.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI): A type of WRMSD resulting from repeated movements or sustained uncomfortable postures causing tissue overload and pain.
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire: A standardised self-report tool used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms in various body regions over specified time frames.
Craniocaudal (CC) view: A standard mammographic projection imaging the breast from above, requiring careful arm and trunk positioning.
Mediolateral oblique (MLO) view: A mammographic projection angling through the breast from the upper outer quadrant to the lower inner quadrant, often associated with pronounced arm and trunk extension.
Posture angle classification: A system, such as the European standard EN1005–4, used to grade joint angles according to ergonomic acceptability.
References
- Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among Saudi radiologists: a cross-sectional multi-centre study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2023).
- Musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia: a multi-center cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2019).
- Ergonomic strategies to improve radiographers’ posture during mammography activities. Insights into Imaging (2017).
- Mobile Workflow in Computed Tomography of the Chest. Journal of Medical Systems (2018).
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