In plain language
In a survey of 194 Saudi radiographers in fluoroscopy and interventional work, roughly a quarter to a third reported pain or discomfort after wearing lead aprons, mostly mild, in the neck, lower back and shoulders. Self-reported, without a comparison group.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Radiologic technologists
- Size
- n = 194 radiographers
- Where
- Saudi Arabia
- Summary based on
- a web page
What it found
After wearing a lead apron, about 29% reported pain, 25% discomfort, 16.5% fatigue and 14% numbness.
Key figures: 28.9% pain; 24.7% discomfort; 16.5% fatigue; 14.4% numbness
Lower back and shoulder pain were the most severe pain sites; some reported severe or very severe pain.
Key figures: Lower back severe 7.7%, very severe 1.5%; shoulder severe 8.2%, very severe 1%; mean severity 0.71 (neck), 1.03 (back), 1.03 (shoulder)
More years of work experience was associated with lower odds of pain/discomfort in univariate analysis, only marginal in multivariate analysis.
Key figures: Univariate odds ratio (OR) = 0.605, p = 0.006; multivariate p = 0.051
A small share had pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries, and some reported the apron worsened them.
Key figures: 9.3% (n = 18) with prior injuries; 2.1% severe and 1% very severe aggravation
Apron types in use were split between single-sided coat, wrap-around and vest-and-skirt.
Key figures: single-sided 38.7%; wrap-around 36.1%; vest & skirt 25.3%
Limits to keep in mind
Single-region cross-sectional self-report survey of mostly young, early-career radiographers with no comparison group not wearing aprons; apron type was not analysed as a predictor, so the title's causal 'effect' is not established. Regression table and text report inconsistent odds ratios.
Related research summaries
- Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: Working to Eliminate Lead and Complications of Radiation in Cardiovascular Team Study (2026, Cross-sectional survey)
- Occupational Radiation Exposures in Interventional Radiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (2026, Retrospective cohort study)
- Radiation protection: safety measures and knowledge among interventional radiologists - UK-based analysis (2025, Cross-sectional survey)
- Evaluation of Back Pain and Lead Apron Use Among Staff at a District General Hospital (2021, Cross-sectional survey)
- 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)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from a web page 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 5, 2026.