In plain language
This review of 12 articles found musculoskeletal complaints, especially spine pain, are commonly reported among interventional teams wearing heavy protective apparel, though a causal link with aprons is not established. Lighter, more ergonomic shielding is under development.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Systematic review or meta-analysis, Systematic review
- Who was studied
- Mixed lab staff, Interventional radiologists, Interventional cardiologists, Nurses
- Size
- n = 12 studies
- Where
- Italy, Colombia, United States, Brazil, India, Russia, Finland, Australia, New Zealand
- Topics
- Musculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsPersonal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesTraining and education
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Outcomes linking interventional work with musculoskeletal disorders predominated across the included studies, regardless of design.
Key figures: 12 articles
Cited data show spine complaints rise with years of interventional experience.
Key figures: >40% with >10 years; 60% with >20 years
About a quarter of interventional workers report back, hip, knee and ankle pain associated with lead apparel use.
Key figures: a quarter
The link between protective apparel and musculoskeletal disorders is not fully established; one systematic review found no correlation.
Lead-free alternative materials may offer better protection than 0.25-mm lead garments while being much lighter.
Key figures: 85% lighter
Limits to keep in mind
Integrative review of only 12 heterogeneous articles, half of them literature reviews, with no quality appraisal or pooled analysis; search limited to three databases, English/Portuguese, up to 2020.
Related research summaries
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational Radiological Protection in Interventional Procedures, ICRP PUBLICATION 139 (2018, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
- SCAI/ASE/HRS/SIR/SVS Expert Consensus Statement on Enhanced Radiation Protection: Time for Mandatory and Urgent Action (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
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.