Blog / Filling the Gap in Radiation Protection

Filling the Gap in Radiation Protection

🔬 The Research Is Clear and Concerning

In the high-stakes environment of the operating room, orthopedic surgeons rely on fluoroscopy to guide precision procedures. But behind the scenes a silent risk persists; radiation exposure to the upper outer quadrant (UOQ) of the breast, the most common site of breast cancer. Traditional lead aprons and vests, even when properly fitted, often leave this area dangerously exposed.

Recent peer-reviewed studies from Stanford and UCSF have revealed:

3X higher breast cancer prevalence in female orthopedic surgeons compared to the general population.
UOQ exposure is 6–7 times higher than the lower inner quadrant during fluoroscopy.
C-arm lateral projections result in 7.5X more radiation than AP projections.
Improperly sized aprons significantly increase radiation exposure to the axilla.

“Our research revealed that standard aprons leave the axilla dangerously exposed—exactly where many breast cancers develop.”
— Dr. Lindsey C. Valone, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon & Research Partner

Operation with C-Arm in AP position. Showing relatively low dose of radiation to medical personnel

Operation with C-Arm in cross-table lateral position. Showing higher dose of radiation to medical personnel.

💡 Why UnderShield Matters

Radiation exposure isn’t just a momentary risk—it’s a cumulative threat. Surgeons and imaging professionals are exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation day after day, year after year, often without realizing how quickly it adds up.

Even with short bursts of fluoroscopy during procedures, the exposure compounds over time. For example:

A single orthopedic case may involve 5 minutes of fluoroscopy.
At high scatter rates (e.g., 29.4 mrem/hr), this adds up to hundreds of procedures per year before reaching recommended dose limits.
Over a 20–30 year career, this exposure becomes a significant health concern—especially to sensitive breast tissue.

Studies have shown that female orthopedic surgeons and radiologic technologists face a significantly elevated risk of breast cancer, likely due to this chronic exposure. And while the exact causal link is still being studied, the correlation is strong enough to warrant proactive protection.

The UnderShield isn’t just a product, it’s a proactive solution to a growing occupational health concern. In reducing the exorbitant risk of breast cancer, we can extend careers and lives and open the field of orthopedic surgery to more people, without fear of radiation exposure. UnderShield sets a new standard by:

Reducing UOQ radiation exposure by up to 99% when compared to standard vests alone.
Offering comfort and mobility without compromising protection.
Supporting long-term health and career longevity for surgeons.

🛡️ UnderShield: Targeted Axillary Protection

Developed in collaboration with Dr. Valone, UnderShield is a revolutionary under-apron garment that provides critical coverage to the axilla and UOQ, regardless of vest size or fit.

Key Features:

✅ Targeted Axillary Protection: Shields the most vulnerable under arm and breast tissue from scatter radiation.
✅ Adjustable & Flexible Fit: Customizable to your body with layered protection that allows for full range of motion.
✅ Under-Apron Design: Seamlessly integrates with any lead vest or apron.
✅ brrr° Cooling Fabric: Triple Chill Effect with cooling minerals, active wicking, and rapid drying for all-day comfort.

Protect Your Future Today

Your safety is non-negotiable. INFAB’s UnderShield is available now and can be paired with any of our premium lead aprons for complete, confidence-inspiring protection.