In plain language
In a survey of 28 orthopaedic surgeons in one academic department, almost all reported wearing lead aprons, but few used thyroid shields, eyewear or gloves, and about half positioned the fluoroscope incorrectly, suggesting a need for more training.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Size
- n = 28 orthopaedic surgeons
- Topics
- Personal protective equipmentSafety culture and complianceTraining and educationEye lens and cataractsThyroidCancer riskBreast cancerPregnancy and reproductive healthDose reduction techniquesWomen in the field
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Nearly all respondents reported always wearing a lead apron.
Key figures: 96.4%
Use of other protective equipment was low: a third used a thyroid shield, most never used goggles, and almost none used protective gloves.
Key figures: 33% thyroid shield; 67% never goggles; 96% never gloves
About half of surgeons positioned the fluoroscope incorrectly in AP and lateral views.
Key figures: 53.6% AP; 46.4% lateral
The accompanying literature review described hazards including cataracts, radiation dermatitis, skin cancer and thyroid cancer, plus risks specific to women.
Authors strongly advise education and training on radiation hazards.
Limits to keep in mind
Small single-department self-reported survey (28 respondents) with no dose measurement; the literature review portion is narrative and its methods are not described in the abstract.
Related research summaries
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Radiation in the Orthopedic Operating Room: What We Know, What We Do, and What Needs Attention (2025, Narrative review)
- 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 Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- 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.