The Avenue Forward: What Can We Do About Orthopedic Injury and Pain?-The Avenue Forward: What Can We Do About Orthopedic Injury and Pain?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar on orthopedic considerations for cardiac catheterization lab staff highlighted the significant physical toll of interventional cardiology work. Despite a usual focus on radiation protection, the session emphasized musculoskeletal injuries—experienced by around two-thirds of operators—as a common, career-impacting problem. Survey data showed many suffer back, neck, and shoulder pain, with injuries often causing reduced lab time or early retirement considerations. Leaders play a key role in fostering supportive environments by promoting wellness, advocating for resources like advanced radiation shielding systems (e.g., Eggnest, Protego, Defender), and optimizing workflow through operator rotation and ergonomics.<br /><br />Particularly for pregnant interventionalists, panelists shared personal experiences balancing case volume with radiation safety—emphasizing transparency, modified workloads, specialized protective gear, and flexible scheduling to safeguard maternal and fetal health. Ergonomic discussions addressed proper lab setups, posture, and positioning to reduce strain, including tips for left radial access and room configuration during complex procedures.<br /><br />Peripheral vascular interventions presented unique challenges with prolonged standing, device handling, and awkward positions leading to significant hand and wrist strain as well as spinal stress. Prevention starts with pre-procedure planning, use of assist devices, segmenting cases, and training staff to share workload. Ambidexterity was encouraged to reduce unilateral fatigue.<br /><br />Physical therapy experts stressed building a “lead-proof body” through strengthening exercises targeting the neck, scapular stabilizers, posterior chain, and core to maintain proper posture and endurance. Regular maintenance exercises and post-case stretches were advised to reduce injury risk.<br /><br />Barriers to adopting advanced protective gear included cost, workflow disruption, and training needs, but participants noted these investments enhance long-term health and career longevity. A forthcoming toolkit from SCCHI aims to assist centers in advocating for and implementing ergonomic and radiation safety improvements. Overall, the session underscored the importance of proactive, team-based approaches to protect operator health and sustain productive careers in interventional cardiology.

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Keywords

orthopedic considerations

cardiac catheterization lab

interventional cardiology

musculoskeletal injuries

radiation protection

ergonomics

operator rotation

pregnant interventionalists

peripheral vascular interventions

physical therapy exercises

advanced radiation shielding