In plain language
In a phantom simulating an orthopedic surgeon during hand fluoroscopy, all lead apron designs markedly reduced groin scatter dose; the only measurable dose under an apron occurred with a half-skirt while seated with knees close together. Dose measurements, not fertility outcomes.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Phantom or simulation study
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons, Phantom or simulation (no people)
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
All apron types in all positions significantly reduced groin scatter exposure compared with no protection.
Key figures: p < 0.001
No scatter radiation was detected beneath any apron when standing or sitting with knees 25 cm apart.
Key figures: 0.0 mrem min -1 (below minimum detectability)
The only detectable exposure under an apron was with the half-skirt while sitting with knees 10 cm apart; the difference from other aprons was not statistically significant.
Key figures: 0.01 mrem min -1; p = 0.44
Authors suggest cross-back and full-skirt aprons may give slightly better protection than half-skirt aprons when seated.
Limits to keep in mind
Single phantom simulation of a hand/forearm procedure with one dosimeter and only four trials; many readings were below the dosimeter's detection limit, limiting comparisons between apron designs, and no health outcomes were measured.
Related research summaries
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- Radiating for Two: Quantifying Radiation Exposure to Pregnant Urologists During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (2024, Phantom or simulation study)
- Body Surface Radiation Exposure in Interventional Echocardiographers During Structural Heart Disease Procedures (2023, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Radiation exposure to equine surgeons during simulated digital radiography and fluoroscopy-guided fracture fixation of the distal limb (2026, Phantom or simulation study)
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract 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.