Imaging of farm-related injuries

In the past century, the United States farming industry has changed dramatically. Farming and food production have grown tremendously, and large industrial farms are now commonplace. Despite this, small farms located in rural communities continue to make up a majority of this country's agriculture. Farmers work with large machinery, large animals, and agricultural chemicals and fertilizers. These potential hazards, combined with rigorous work, long hours, and the natural environment cause higher rates of work-related injury, trauma, and illnesses than in most professions. This article discusses common injuries sustained in the farming industry as well as the challenges radiologic technologists face when diagnostic imaging is needed.