In plain language
Across 12 cross-sectional studies of interventional physicians, nurses and technologists, apron wearing was consistently linked to discomfort and fatigue, but evidence that aprons cause musculoskeletal disorders was inconsistent and largely self-reported.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Systematic review or meta-analysis, Systematic review
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Interventional radiologists, Electrophysiologists, Gastroenterologists, Urologists, Nurses, Radiologic technologists, Mixed lab staff
- Size
- n = 12 studies
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Twelve cross-sectional studies were included; five primarily studied apron use and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and a higher prevalence of disorders was not always associated with apron use.
Key figures: 12 studies; 5 primary
All included studies reported discomfort, fatigue or awkward movement among workers wearing aprons, even though the link to MSDs was not consistent.
In a Mayo study, exposure to fluoroscopic procedures requiring lead aprons was associated with a 67% higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain.
Key figures: 67% increase
In a 2004 survey, spinal problems rose with years of interventional practice.
Key figures: 26% (<5 years) vs 60% (>21 years)
No studies evaluated MSD rates by apron design or assessed fitness for work in workers with existing MSDs.
Limits to keep in mind
Only 12 cross-sectional studies of medium quality, mostly self-reported non-validated questionnaires with few control groups and heterogeneous samples (4 to over 1000 participants). Older studies may involve heavier aprons no longer in use.
Related research summaries
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: Working to Eliminate Lead and Complications of Radiation in Cardiovascular Team Study (2026, Cross-sectional survey)
- Occupational Radiation Exposures in Interventional Radiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (2026, Retrospective cohort study)
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- Aegrescit medendo: orthopedic disability in electrophysiology, call for fluoroscopy elimination, review and commentary (2022, Editorial or commentary)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the full text of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.