In plain language
This narrative review of orthopedic operating room radiation finds that aprons, thyroid shields, lead glasses, pulsed fluoroscopy and distance substantially lower staff dose, but training and personal protective equipment (PPE) use are inconsistent; possible breast cancer risk in female surgeons needs further study.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Narrative review
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons, Other surgeons, Radiologic technologists, Trainees, Mixed lab staff
- Topics
- Eye lens and cataractsCancer riskBreast cancerThyroidPersonal protective equipmentDosimetry and monitoringDose reduction techniquesTraining and educationRegulation and policyWomen in the fieldSafety culture and complianceRobotic and remote systems
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Lead aprons of 0.25 and 0.5 mm lead equivalence attenuate most scatter radiation.
Key figures: up to 90% and 97%
Standard aprons may not adequately shield the upper outer quadrant of the breast; lead sleeves and axillary supplements reduced breast exposure compared with a vest alone.
Lead glasses reduced eye dose about tenfold in hip surgeons.
Key figures: 10 times
Pulsed and low-dose modes reduced average radiation exposure time in spinal interventions.
Key figures: 56.7% reduction; 316 patients
Many orthopedic surgeons lack radiation safety training and as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) awareness, per a cited South African survey.
Key figures: 73% untrained; 77% unaware of ALARA
Limits to keep in mind
Narrative review without systematic search, risk-of-bias assessment or meta-analysis; cited figures come from heterogeneous primary studies, and breast cancer concerns rest on emerging observational evidence.
Related research summaries
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (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)
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (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.