Ramin Javan MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Asim F. Choudhri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sara E Harris BS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Richard Duszak MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Currently, the mouse is ideally suited as an interactive device for PACS, and serves as a near-perfect point-and-click tool with scrolling capability, providing great accuracy despite minimal effort. An application was developed collect data necessary to predict possible arthritic changes in the index finger of radiologists.

Constant use of the mouse wheel potentially places radiologists at high risk for degenerative changes of the index finger. We sought to predict that theoretical potential and complement the developing interest in radiology workplace ergonomics. Considering the widespread use of PACS and the high prevalence of cross-sectional imaging, few other professions require such frequent mouse wheel use, Late degenerative changes notwithstanding, index finger fatigue is believed common in many high volume radiology workplace settings. 

Factors such as age, gender, body habitus, and genetic predisposition, as well as the frequency, speed, pressure and technique of mouse wheeling, can be applied to a biomechanical model of the joints of the index finger. Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 was used for programming a PC-based application, designed to track the number of mouse wheel turns and the speed at which each stroke is made, for eventual export to a predictive mathematical model. Data is stored within a text file, which is importable into Microsoft Excel for further analysis. An alternative method would use infrared cameras and reflective markers on the skin to record joint kinematics.

While back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome represent more common workplace concerns in radiology, the potential long-term effects of heavy use of the index finger has not been explored. With further information, radiologists could then consider alternatives to alleviate burden on these delicate joints crucial in so many detailed tasks in life. Alternatively, if no long term risk is identified, the topic can be put to rest and worried individuals can be reassured. Features to circumvent cumbersome mouse wheel scrolling have already been implemented in most PACS environments. Using newly developed multi-touch trackpads may prove an invaluable tool for seamless image scrolling.

Javan, R, Choudhri, A, Harris, S, Duszak, R, An Application for Predicting Arthritic Changes of the Index Finger of Radiologists: Watch the Mouse Wheel!.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11016433.html