Does participatory ergonomics reduce musculoskeletal pain in sonographers? A mixed methods study.

Introduction: Sonographers in the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) reported a musculoskeletal pain prevalence rate of 95%. Participatory ergonomics, where workers are consulted about improving work conditions, was utilised to identify work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risks and potential solutions. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of WMSD in a cohort of sonographers before and after implementation of ergonomic changes that were driven by recommendations from a participatory ergonomics approach.

The effectiveness of ergonomics interventions in reducing upper limb work-related musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in sonographers, surgeons and dentists: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the effects of ergonomics interventions on work-related upper limb musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, and on productivity in sonographers, surgeons and dentists. A total of 31 studies were included. All studies reported effects on upper limb pain.

Improving haemodialysis fistula maturation following early ultrasound vascular mapping: 'The Venous Preservation Scan'.

Aim: Formation of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complicated by a high primary failure rate. We hypothesized that early (months to years before AVF creation) Venous Preservation Scan (VPS) followed by vasculature preservation is effective in protecting the patient's best 'for fistula' vasculature. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of VPS on AVF outcomes.

Reference ranges for the intra-amniotic umbilical cord vein diameter, peak velocity and blood flow in a regional NSW population.

Aim: To construct gestational age (GA)-related reference ranges of the intra-amniotic umbilical cord vein (UCV) diameter, peak velocity (PV) and blood flow (Qucv) using a Central West New South Wales population.

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective, quasi-experimental study of low risk, singleton pregnancies (n = 321) between 16 and 42 weeks of gestation. Participation was voluntary following informed consent.

A comparison of a regional NSW obstetrics population to district, state and national statistics.

Background: In the central west NSW region, there are variations in population density, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.

Aims: Compare and contrast the maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of an obstetric population in central west New South Wales to district, state and national data.

Materials And Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study involving 625 pregnant women who attended Orange or Bathurst public hospitals for obstetric ultrasounds.

Congenital Epulis: a clinical case presentation.

Congenital Epulis (CE) is a rare, benign tumour of the mucosa of the mouth in a neonate. It presents as an intraoral tumour and is rarely diagnosed prenatally. Complications include neonatal airway compromise, difficulty feeding and aesthetic considerations.

The development, structure and blood flow within the umbilical cord with particular reference to the venous system.

The umbilical cord is a helical and tubular blood conduit connecting the foetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord achieves its final form by the 12th week of gestation and normally contains two arteries and a single vein, all embedded in Wharton's jelly. The structure of the umbilical cord receives only a cursory glance during many obstetric ultrasound examinations: with imaging limited to documenting the number of vessels within the cord and the insertion sites at the foetus and placenta.