Ionising radiation: are orthopaedic surgeons at risk?

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Radiation safety
• Occupational health

Background:

• Modern orthopaedic trauma surgery frequently involves significant exposure to ionising radiation.
• There is a lack of research on radiation dose levels for orthopaedic surgeons working as non-classified workers.
• Understanding these doses is crucial for ensuring surgeon safety and compliance with regulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and assess the whole body, eye, and extremity (hand) radiation doses received by orthopaedic surgeons during trauma procedures.
• To determine if these doses are within the established safety limits for non-classified workers.
• To compare radiation exposure patterns in orthopaedic surgeons with those in other medical specialties.

Main Methods:

• Six orthopaedic surgeons were monitored during trauma cases requiring intraoperative X-ray use.
• Whole body, eye, and hand radiation doses were measured using appropriate dosimetry techniques.
• Data collected were analyzed to compare against recommended maximum dose levels.

Main Results:

• None of the six surgeons approached the recommended maximum dose limits for whole body, eyes, or hands.
• Radiation exposure levels were found to be within acceptable safety margins.
• The hands received the highest occupational radiation dose, identifying them as the critical exposure area for orthopaedic surgeons.

Conclusions:

• Current radiation safety precautions for orthopaedic surgeons appear adequate for non-classified workers.
• The hands are the primary site of concern for radiation dose limitation in this specialty, unlike in radiology or cardiology.
• Continued vigilance and periodic reassessment of radiation doses are recommended as surgical techniques and workloads evolve.