Abstract
Work-related repetitive strain injury (RSI) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSKD) may encompass a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative diseases and disorders and are a major occupational hazard for mammographers. These conditions are caused by repetitive, forceful, or awkward movements that can result in injury to muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments and can include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, lower back pain and tension neck syndrome [1]. Common areas of the body to be affected by musculoskeletal pain for mammographers include the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, shoulders and lower back, although this list is not exclusive. The repetitive nature of mammographers’ work, as well as the awkward postures used while working can cause significant stress on their bodies and the physical strain can cause, or exacerbate these conditions.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Ransom E. The causes of musculoskeletal injury amongst sonographers in the UK. London: Society of Radiographers; 2002. Accessed 5 May 2014.
The Cancer Reform Strategy. Policy document. London: Department of Health; 2007.
Gale A, May JG. An evaluation of musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by radiographers performing mammography. NHSBSP Publication, 36. 1997.
Gale A, Hunter N, Lawton C, Purdy K. Ergonomic assessment of radiographer units. NHSBSP equipment report, 0708. 2007.
Wigley L, Dixon A. Musculoskeletal disorders in mammography: a guide to tackling the issues in the workplace. Society of Radiographers Journal: Synergy News. 2009.
Interviews with radiographers at Breast Check Ireland and Musgove Park Taunton Breast Screening, 2011, by Miles, J. Breast Check Ireland (BCI): Joanne Hammond, National Radiography Manager, Breast Check Ireland; Catherine Vaughan, Radiographer, Coventry and Warwickshire Breast Screening Centre; Sharon Hoffmeister, Deputy Superintendent Radiographer Musgove Park Taunton Breast Screening: Pat Middleton and her staff. Annemarie Dixon, Senior Lecturer, Leeds University.
Ransom E. The causes of musculoskeletal injury amongst sonographers in the UK. London: Society of Radiographers; 2002.
Borrelli C, Button M, Dixon AM, Eckersley B, Fretwell AM, Griggs J, Hoffmeiste S, Milnes V, Mumby A, Phillips V, Sellars S, Shaw A, Stanton A, Teape A, Vegnut Z. Reducing the risk of musculo-skeletal discomfort in mammography. NHSBSP good practice guide no 138. 2012.
HM Government. The Employers Liability Act. 1969.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Borrelli, C.D. (2015). Repetitive Strain Injury – RSI. In: Hogg, P., Kelly, J., Mercer, C. (eds) Digital Mammography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04831-4_23
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04831-4_23
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-04830-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-04831-4
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)