The Avenue Forward: What Can We Do About Orthopedic Injury and Pain?-Slides: Procedure-Specific Ergonomics and Mitigating Orthopedic Injury: It’s not Just About the Lead! Dr. Truong

Slides: Procedure-Specific Ergonomics and Mitigating Orthopedic Injury: It’s not Just About the Lead! Dr. Truong

Pdf Summary

This document by H Tam Truong, MD, FSCAI, addresses the high incidence of orthopedic injuries among interventional cardiology (IC) professionals, emphasizing that risks extend beyond physicians to include supporting staff. Studies show that the rate of musculoskeletal injuries in IC is 2-7 times higher than other medical subspecialties, often due to prolonged awkward postures combined with wearing heavy lead aprons for radiation protection. Staff members, despite younger age, experience significant musculoskeletal pain related to long working hours, patient transport, and manual pressure tasks.<br /><br />Common injury sites have been identified, highlighting the need for targeted ergonomic interventions. Strategies to reduce these injuries include minimizing or shedding the lead apron by adopting radiation protection systems or robotic assistance, selecting appropriate lead gear, maintaining good ergonomics, and ensuring regular rotation of tasks—especially for staff who face prolonged exposure.<br /><br />Ergonomic recommendations focus on maintaining neutral posture by avoiding bending, leaning, or reaching unnecessarily. Adjusting monitor positions to keep the neck straight and ensuring clear floor space are practical steps to enhance comfort and reduce injury risk. The document notes differences in procedural setups based on access sites (femoral, right and left radial, carotid, internal jugular), with specific tips for left radial arterial access offered by experts.<br /><br />In summary, orthopedic injury in IC is a multifactorial problem involving radiation protection gear, posture, and work practices. Mitigating these risks requires a holistic approach focusing not only on the lead but also on ergonomics, equipment choices, and workflow modifications to protect all team members and support career longevity.

Keywords

orthopedic injuries

interventional cardiology

musculoskeletal injuries

lead aprons

ergonomics

radiation protection

staff safety

robotic assistance

neutral posture

workflow modifications