Is Your OR Team Radiation-Safe? The Data Says Probably Not

Orthopaedic Surgeons Are Operating in Radiation — And Most Aren’t Protected

Based on findings from a 2025 orthopaedic radiation safety study.

93%

never use a dosimeter

76%

never wear lead glasses

57%

report PPE is not available

See How Surgeons Are Reducing Exposure

Fluoroscopy Is Used in Most Cases

72% of procedures require fluoroscopy
10–50 images per case
3–4 cases per week

87.9% of clinicians don’t know the radiation dose from standard imaging. This is constant exposure — not occasional.

Protection Is Incomplete

Protection Type	Usage
Lead apron	72% always use
Thyroid shield	55% always use
Lead glasses	76% never use
Lead gloves	88% never use
Dosimeter	93% never use

The highest-risk areas — eyes, hands, brain — are the least protected. Over half report they don’t use certain protection simply because it isn’t available.

What Surgeons Are Actually Doing

“Minimally invasive techniques have dramatically improved the patient experience, but exposed those routinely in the OR to radiation scatter with negative effects that build cumulatively over time. I love my job, but I’m not trying to let it kill me.”

— Dr. Peter Derman, Texas Back Institute

This Adds Up Over a Career

Increased cancer risk
Cataracts from repeated exposure
Cumulative radiation dose over time

Even low-dose exposure compounds.

Protect Your Team Without Changing Workflow

See how surgeons are reducing exposure in real cases.

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Here’s a quick 45-second breakdown from Dr. Peter Derman.

“With traditional thyroid shields, you either wear them loose and they don’t work — or tighten them to the point they’re uncomfortable.
Add proper head and eye protection, and you’ve dramatically reduced exposure. I wear this on every case now.”

Source: Umanes MM, Clayton EO, Iglesias B, et al. “Protecting the Orthopaedic Surgeon: An Institutional Review of Radiation Safety Practices, Knowledge, and Risks.” JBJS Open Access. 2025.