In plain language
In a survey of 221 interventional radiologists in German-speaking countries, nearly half reported repeated orthopedic problems, mostly low back, and some cut back or stopped practice. Poorer apron fit was weakly associated with more affected body regions.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Interventional radiologists
- Size
- n = 221 survey respondents
- Where
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
About half of responding interventional radiologists reported more than five episodes of orthopedic problems during their career.
Key figures: 47.7%
The lumbar spine was the most commonly affected region, followed by cervical spine, shoulder and knee.
Key figures: lumbar 81.7%, cervical 32.8%, shoulder 28.5%, knee 24.7%
Orthopedic problems led some respondents to reduce or stop interventional practice.
Key figures: 16.1% reduced; 2.7% stopped
The number of affected body regions was weakly correlated with the fit of radiation protection apparel and with reduction of interventional activity.
Key figures: p < 0.05, r = 0.135 (fit); p < 0.05, r = -0.148 (activity reduction)
No connection between orthopedic complaints and the type of radiation protection system used could be established.
Limits to keep in mind
Self-reported anonymous survey with a low response rate (15.5%), at risk of response and recall bias; cross-sectional design and weak correlations cannot establish cause.
Related research summaries
- Ergonomics in Interventional Radiology: Awareness Is Mandatory (2021, Narrative review)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational Pelvic and Chest-Level Radiation Exposure Among Interventional Echocardiographers During Percutaneous Structural Heart Interventions (2026, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Radiation Realities: Radiation Safety Practices and Awareness Among Interventional Echocardiographers in the United States (2025, Cross-sectional survey)
- Body pain, An unheeded personal health hazard in interventional cardiologists: A national online cross-sectional survey study in China (2022, Cross-sectional survey)
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.