Prevalence of spinal disc disease among interventional cardiologists

Am J Cardiol. 1997 Jan 1;79(1):68-70. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(96)00678-9.

Abstract

A suspected, but undocumented, excess of axial skeletal disease among interventional cardiologists (possibly a consequence of lead apron use) was investigated by comparing questionnaire responses from cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rheumatologists (n = 714). Cardiologists reported more neck and back pain, more subsequent time lost from work, and a higher incidence of cervical disc herniations, as well as multiple level disc disease (all p <0.01): "interventionalist's disc disease" is a confirmed entity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Protective Clothing*
  • Radiation Protection*
  • Spinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors