Statistics show that 80% of sonographers scan with musculoskeletal pain. Forty percent report their pain as being severe.⁽¹⁾ It is estimated that the pain and physical damage caused by MSI have ended the careers of up to 20% of sonographers.^(1,2)

The Soneva™ Table, developed in conjunction with Susan Murphey, BS, RDMS, RDCS, CECD of Essential Ergonomics, protects sonographers from career-ending injuries by improving procedure ergonomics.

Research and Industry Guidelines suggest the following features as crucial to be present in an ultrasound platform (3,4,5):

• Height Adjust-ability: This element is crucial to proper posture, whether the procedure is performed sitting or standing. However, it should not be raised so far as to encourage a >30º abduction of the scanning arm, in any position.
• Mobility: The table should have full wheel mobility with easily accessible locks, preferably with a central control.
• Patient Positioning Capabilities: Patient positioning features, such as Fowler, Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg, arm boards, etc. are desired to reduce procedure time.
• Safety: Devices or features of the table should not block access from any side by the user or extend to create a safety hazard to the user.
• Procedure-specific Features: Features to provide access and support for endovaginal exams, such as a pelvic cutout, drop down section or leg supports should be included in the design of the table.
• Electronic Controls: Electronic controls are preferred, especially in a remote, easy to access form.

The Soneva™ Table possesses all of these capabilities and more in a single-platform.

1. Pike I, Russo A, Berkowitz J, Baker JP, Lessoway VA: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among diagnostic medical sonographers. J Diagn Med Sonography 1997; 13:219–227.

2. Brown G, Baker J: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonographers. J Diagn Med Sonography 2004; 20:85–93.

3. Industry Standards for the Prevention of the Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography. Developed through a consensus conference hosted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, May 2003.

4. Cardiovascular Sonography: The Painful Art of Scanning. M. McCulloch, RDCS, et al. Cardiac Ultrasound Today.Vol 8. No. 5 2002.

5. Guidelines for Reducing Injuries to Sonographers/Sonologists. Australia.