More than half of radiologists report musculoskeletal discomfort from their work, and while the problem remains largely unaddressed, it is preventable, according to a presentation at ARRS 2026 in Pittsburgh.
A team at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA, offered an ergonomics primer aimed at radiologists and trainees, noting that musculoskeletal strain represents the single largest category of workplace injury in radiology and accounts for nearly 30% of all workers' compensation costs.
"Musculoskeletal strain in radiology is prevalent, costly, and preventable," wrote lead author Jiyae Lee, MD, a third-year resident, and colleagues.
Radiologists face a unique set of ergonomic challenges, the group explained. A typical workday involves more than seven hours of seated work at digital workstations, with sustained repetitive interactions with monitors, keyboards, and mice. These cumulative demands are compounded by repetition, force, and poor posture, and make radiologists especially susceptible to chronic overuse injuries.
The problem extends to trainees as well, the group noted, with up to 63% of residents reporting high levels of pain. Radiologists with preexisting conditions such as cervical strain, cubital tunnel syndrome, or carpal tunnel syndrome face additional risk.
To address the issue, Lee and colleagues identified key risk factors and outlined practical interventions. For instance, there are several common errors with direct injury consequences:
Monitors placed too high or too low can contribute to cervical strain.
Desks set too high can cause sustained elbow flexion.
Hands resting on the desk without wrist support can increases the risk of median and ulnar compressive neuropathies.
“Correct chair positioning and proper keyboard and mouse alignment are foundational corrections,” according to the group.
Maintaining a neutral spine and incorporating deliberate physical movement into workflow -- such as rotating the torso rather than only the neck when changing direction -- can meaningfully reduce cumulative strain, the group noted.
Additionally, equipment solutions, including ergonomic chairs, standing desks, adjustable monitors, programmable mice, foot pedals, and microphone stands can offer further protection. Behaviorally, the authors emphasized the value of microbreaks distributed throughout the workday to interrupt sustained static loading.
The authors noted that adoption of ergonomic interventions in radiology remains inconsistent. Broader institutional buy-in and formal ergonomic training during residency would likely be needed to meaningfully shift practice culture, they wrote.
"Promoting a culture of ergonomic awareness not only enhances physical wellbeing but also supports long-term career longevity and efficiency in the radiology workplace," Lee and colleagues concluded.
