Radiation Exposure in Interventional Pain Management Physicians: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature

At a glance

Type of study

Systematic review or meta-analysis, Systematic review

Who was studied

Other physicians

Size

n = 24 studies

Topics

Dosimetry and monitoringPersonal protective equipmentDose reduction techniquesTraining and educationEye lens and cataracts

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Lead aprons lowered chest radiation dose by more than 95%.

  Key figures: >95%

• Protective equipment and managing distance from the fluoroscope each independently lowered dose by more than 90%.

  Key figures: >90%

• Unprotected neck, chest and groin doses were substantial, while doses under protective equipment were far lower.

  Key figures: outside neck 572-2,032 mrem; inside neck 0-68 mrem; inside chest 0-108 mrem

• Eyes and hands are often overlooked exposed regions; eye doses ranged 40 to 369 mrem.

  Key figures: eyes 40-369 mrem

• The evidence base is small: 24 included studies covering 30 pain physicians and more than 3,577 patients.

  Key figures: 24 of 2,736 articles; 30 physicians

Limits to keep in mind

Only 30 physicians were represented across the included studies, and most included studies were observational rather than randomized. Pooled dose ranges are heterogeneous and reported inconsistently.

Related research summaries

• Occupational Radiation Doses to Operators Performing Fluoroscopically-Guided Procedures (2012, Systematic review)
• Addressing the Occupational Risk of Radiation Exposure in the Evolving Field of Interventional Echocardiography (2024, Narrative review)
• Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
• ICRP Draft - Radiological Protection in Fluoroscopically Guided Procedures (Guideline or consensus statement)
• IU Health Handbook of Fluoroscopy Safety (Guideline or consensus statement)