In plain language
In a German survey of 461 mostly vascular surgeons, back and neck complaints were common. Awkward postures were linked to work or leisure restrictions in every body region, and more than 20 years of apron wear was linked to shoulder restrictions.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Vascular surgeons, Other physicians
- Size
- n = 461 physicians
- Where
- Germany
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Musculoskeletal complaints were very common, most often in the lumbar and cervical spine.
Key figures: lumbar 82%, cervical 78%, thoracic 51%, shoulder/upper arm 54%
Between a fifth and nearly half of respondents reported MSC-related restrictions at work or in leisure time.
Key figures: 21% to 44%
Awkward postures for more than two hours a day were associated with restrictions in all four body regions.
Key figures: cervical odds ratio (OR) = 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.413-3.298; shoulder OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.232-3.054
Wearing a lead apron for more than 20 years was associated with higher odds of shoulder/upper arm restrictions, but not spine restrictions.
Key figures: OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.036-4.943
Performing more than 100 procedures per year was associated with thoracic spine restrictions; apron design showed no association.
Key figures: OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.005-2.670
Limits to keep in mind
Cross-sectional, self-reported online survey with a 17.2% response rate, so selection and recall bias are possible and causation cannot be inferred. There was no separate unexposed comparison group, and 95% of respondents were vascular surgeons in Germany.
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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.