Mammography equipment design: impact on radiographers' practice

Area of Science:

• Radiologic technology
• Ergonomics
• Occupational health

Background:

• Mammography procedures involve specific radiographer postures.
• The impact of these postures on radiographer health, particularly work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze radiographer postures during common mammography procedures.
• To correlate these postures with mammography equipment and patient characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A postural task analysis was conducted using simulated mammography positioning (craniocaudal/CC and mediolateral-oblique/MLO).
• Simulations varied radiographer and patient statures.
• Postural angles were measured and classified according to European standards.

Main Results:

• The mediolateral-oblique (MLO) projection, particularly with short-stature patients, resulted in the most awkward radiographer postures.
• Risk factors for WRMSDs included neck extension (87.2°), elevated arms (118.6°), and stooped back (63.6°).
• When radiographers were taller than patients, trunk and arm postures were deemed unacceptable.

Conclusions:

• Awkward postures during mammography, especially MLO, are linked to WRMSDs in radiographers.
• Current mammography equipment may not adequately accommodate diverse radiographer and patient statures.
• Redesigning mammography devices for better adjustability is recommended to mitigate WRMSD risks.