Reducing musculoskeletal injuries in mammography

9 September 2025

The VELA chair has been designed specifically to reduce WRMSDs in mammography.

A leading cause of staff absences

Conventional mammography often requires mammographers to work in awkward or physically demanding positions while patients remain standing. The repetitive movements involved have been linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), a leading cause of staff absence within the NHS. In fact, the issue has become significant enough that NHS England has issued specific guidance (1) for mammography staff, encouraging best practice to reduce or prevent the risk of injury.

A mammography chair designed for mammographers

The VELA mammography chair is designed to reduce musculoskeletal injuries in breast screening clinics and secures patients in an optimised position for greater imaging precision in both CC and MLO views.

Key features

  • Adjustable seat height eliminates the need to constantly tiptoe or stretch around the patients, particularly beneficial for shorter mammographers.

  • Back support keeps the patient upright, allowing easier positioning for CC views without the mammographer having to lean the patient forward.

  • Foot brakes eliminate bending over or crouching down to apply hand brakes.

  • Large caster wheels allow the VELA to be easily manoeuvred into position, meaning the mammographer does not have to strain or exert themselves.

Find out more

You can learn more about the VELA mammography chair by clicking the button below to speak to a product specialist directly.

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(1)  Breast screening mammography: ergonomics good practice