Investigation of musculoskeletal complaints affecting the professional or private life of physicians with different exposure times to lead aprons: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

In medical settings, lead aprons provide protection from ionising radiation but also result in physical strain that may lead to musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). These complaints may have an impact on the wearer's professional or private life. Therefore, we aimed to assess the 12-month prevalence of MSCs among physicians with different exposure times to lead aprons, and to determine the proportion of MSC-related restrictions in work or leisure time. In addition, we investigated potential confounding factors associated with MSC-related restrictions.

METHODS

The study population consisted of physicians working full- or part-time. The data were collected between December 2023 and February 2024 using the German version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The prevalence of MSCs and MSC-related restrictions was recorded in four body regions: neck and cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine and lower back, as well as the shoulder joints and upper arms. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) to identify potential occupational and personal confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 461 questionnaires were evaluated. Eighty-seven per cent of participants reported regularly wearing a lead apron for at least one year as part of their work. The prevalence of MSCs varied depending on the body region, ranging from 50 to 82%. Between 21% and 44% of the respondents reported MSC-related restrictions at work or in their leisure time. A significant correlation was identified between awkward postures and MSC-related restrictions in all body regions. Lead apron exposure (more than 20 years) increased the likelihood of experiencing MSC-related restrictions in the shoulder joints and upper arms (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.036-4.943). Performing more than 100 procedures per year increased the likelihood of experiencing MSC-related restrictions in the thoracic spine (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.005-2.670).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that MSCs are prevalent among this study population, particularly those affecting the lumbar and cervical spine. Awkward postures at work had a significant impact on MSC-related restrictions in all body regions, whereas wearing a lead apron over several years resulted primarily in MSC-related restrictions affecting the shoulder joints/upper arms. Additional analyses are needed to identify activities that cause physical strain, and determine appropriate, targeted preventive measures.