In plain language
In 31 orthopaedic surgeons, about 100 minutes of surgery wearing a lead apron was followed by short-term posture changes and more reported back complaints. The design cannot separate the apron's effect from that of operating itself.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Prospective cohort study
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Size
- n = 31 surgeons
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Wearing a lead apron for an average of about 102 minutes of surgery was followed by increased thoracic kyphosis, especially in younger doctors.
Key figures: p < 0.001
Forefoot load increased after apron use, especially in older surgeons.
Key figures: p = 0.002
Significant lateral postural deviation occurred, correlating with greater body height and shorter length of employment.
Key figures: p = 0.006; p = 0.008, r = 0.51; p = 0.026, r = -0.44
Fewer surgeons reported back complaints on working days without lead apron use in the OR than on OR days.
Key figures: p = 0.011
Limits to keep in mind
Small single-group before-and-after study (n = 31) with no control condition separating apron effects from surgery itself; back complaints were self-reported and postural changes were short-term measures, not long-term health outcomes.
Related research summaries
- Time to Look for Ergonomically Viable Designs of Radiation Protection Aprons: A Survey of 416 Orthopedic Surgeons (2023, Cross-sectional survey)
- Radiation safety awareness and practices amongst orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland (2022, Cross-sectional survey)
- Ergonomics and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Characteristics Among Female Interventionists (2021, Systematic review)
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
- Estimating effective dose using non-lead protective aprons and a single dosimeter method (2026, Modeling or economic study)
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.