Knowledge and Utilization of Sex-Specific Lead Aprons Among Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic surgeons routinely face exposure to ionizing radiation during intraoperative use of fluoroscopy. Lead personal protective equipment reduces occupational radiation exposure. Female-specific lead aprons are designed with expanded lateral coverage to improve protection of breast tissue against radiation beams. The purpose of this study was to identify current trends in knowledge and utilization of female-specific lead aprons as well as any barriers to utilization.

An anonymous electronic survey including 20 multiple choice and multiple selection responses was distributed to all members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). Respondents who reported the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy in their practice were included in the study.

Most respondents were attending surgeons (91%) and practiced in an academic setting (85%) in an urban environment (75%). Most respondents reported using a lead apron for every case (76%) and a thyroid shield for every case (75%), while most respondents reported they do not wear lead glasses (73%). Fifty-one percent of respondents were aware of female-specific lead aprons. The majority of respondents reported female-specific lead is unavailable (45%) or available in insufficient quantities (5.5%) at their institution. Ninety percent of females reported they do not wear female-specific lead with the common reasons being lack of availability and discomfort.

Knowledge of female-specific lead is low with lack of availability as a common barrier to utilization. As female presence in the field of orthopaedic surgery expands, efforts should be made to improve education and availability of sex-specific lead aprons.