For which procedure must a CST wear a lead apron and thyroid shield?

In the context of a hip replacement procedure, the use of fluoroscopic imaging is often employed to assist the surgeon in visualizing the anatomy and placement of implants. This imaging technique involves the use of radiation, which necessitates additional protective measures for staff in the operating room.

Wearing a lead apron and thyroid shield is crucial during procedures where ionizing radiation is used, as these protective garments help to minimize exposure to radiation, particularly to sensitive areas such as the thyroid gland. The lead apron protects the body from scattered radiation, while the thyroid shield specifically provides protection to the thyroid, which is particularly vulnerable to radiation damage.

Other procedures listed, such as spinal fusion, hernia repair, and appendectomy, typically do not require the same level of radiation protection. While some spinal fusion surgeries may involve fluoroscopy as well, it is more commonly associated with hip replacements due to the frequency of imaging during the placement of hip components. Therefore, the requirement for a lead apron and thyroid shield is most pertinently associated with the hip replacement procedure.