In plain language
In a survey of 72 orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland, all reported wearing lead aprons, but under half regularly wore thyroid shields and only 55% had completed radiation safety training, with junior trainees least trained.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons, Trainees
- Size
- n = 72 orthopaedic surgeons (survey respondents)
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Topics
- Personal protective equipmentTraining and educationSafety culture and complianceMusculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsThyroid
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Only about half of respondents had completed a radiation safety course, with junior trainees far less likely than consultants or senior trainees.
Key figures: 55% (n = 40) overall; junior trainees 29% (n = 6), consultants 82% (n = 23), senior trainees 48% (n = 11); p < 0.0001
All respondents reported always wearing lead aprons, but fewer than half frequently or always wore thyroid protection.
Key figures: 100% aprons; 46.2% (n = 34) thyroid protection
Radiation training and knowledge varied considerably by seniority and across Scotland.
The survey covered 72 surgeons from 20 hospitals across all four Scottish deaneries.
Key figures: 72 responses; 20 hospitals; 28 Consultants, 23 Senior trainees, 21 Junior trainees
Limits to keep in mind
Small self-reported online survey with unknown response rate and possible selection bias; back pain results are not reported in the abstract.
Related research summaries
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Evaluation of Back Pain and Lead Apron Use Among Staff at a District General Hospital (2021, Cross-sectional survey)
- Radiation in the Orthopedic Operating Room: What We Know, What We Do, and What Needs Attention (2025, Narrative review)
- Lead Aprons and Thyroid Shields in Interventional Pain Management (2018, Narrative review)
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.