In plain language
In a self-reported survey of 416 orthopedic surgeons, few were satisfied with apron or thyroid shield designs, thyroid shields were often skipped or forgotten, and most reported back or neck pain; lighter and wrap-around aprons were rated more favorably.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Size
- n = 416 orthopedic surgeons
- Topics
- Musculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsPersonal protective equipmentSafety culture and complianceThyroid
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Only a small minority of orthopedic surgeons were satisfied with current apron design; heaviness was the most common problem.
Key figures: 9.6% satisfied; 58.4% reported heaviness
Thyroid shields were worn far less often than aprons and were frequently forgotten or found uncomfortable.
Key figures: 20.4% wore thyroid shields most of the time vs 91.1% for aprons; 37.3% always forgot thyroid shields
About 63% of respondents reported back or neck pain, similar to rates reported for interventional radiologists.
Key figures: 63%
Lead-free and lead vinyl aprons were rated more comfortable than lead-based aprons; single-sided aprons were associated with more back pain than wrap-around types.
Key figures: 40% and 46.7% vs 24% comfortable (p<0.01); back pain 37.7% vs 31% (p=0.05)
Most surgeons reported sweating while wearing aprons, more often in government hospitals.
Key figures: 78.4% (326/416)
Limits to keep in mind
Cross-sectional, self-reported survey with an unvalidated questionnaire, male-predominant respondents and countries not specified; back pain is multifactorial and confounders were not controlled, so causation cannot be inferred.
Related research summaries
- Radiation safety awareness and practices amongst orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland (2022, Cross-sectional survey)
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
- Evaluation of Back Pain and Lead Apron Use Among Staff at a District General Hospital (2021, Cross-sectional survey)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, 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 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.