Occupational radiation exposure to anesthetists from fluoroscopic projections during orthopedic operative procedures

The role of anesthetists during orthopedic fluoroscopic procedures exposes them to radiation. We conducted a prospective, descriptive study to estimate the radiation exposure to anesthetists during procedures over a six-month period in the orthopedic trauma operating theatres which had the most fluoroscopic usage.

Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips were placed two metres away from the radiation source, in three positions to simulate the anesthetist's position in the operating theatre during the fluoroscopic procedures as well as their radiation safety practices. The three positions were above the lead gown, behind the lead gown and behind the protective lead screen. The fourth TLD chip was assigned as a control measure to account for background radiation. The radiation exposure was measured at every end of each month during the period of six consecutive months. The TLD chips were sent to the Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology (MINT) for the analysis.

From the study, the annual exposure without a protective shield at a 2 metre distance from the projection source was estimated to be 0.70 milliSievert (mSv)/year. With the use of lead gowns and protective lead screens, the annual exposure was estimated to be 0.08 mSv / year. All the radiation levels measured were within the maximum permissible dose of 50 mSv / year.

During fluoroscopic assisted orthopedic procedures, the anesthetists in UKMMC are exposed to a small amount of radiation which is well below the annual maximum permissible limit as determined by local and international regulatory bodies.