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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
X-ray Dose Reduction through Adaptive Exposure in Fluoroscopic Imaging
Published on: September 11, 2011
Fluoroscopic Exposure With Use of Mini-C-Arm During Routine Hand Surgery: A Prospective Comparison of Hand Versus Eye
Mark L Wang1, C Edward Hoffler, Asif M Ilyas
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. mark.wang@rothmaninstitute.com.
Abstract:
Radiation exposure with use of intraoperative fluoroscopy is a potential orthopedic occupational risk factor. The purpose of this study was to perform a prospective comparison of hand versus eye radiation exposure associated with mini-C-arm utilization and to test the hypothesis that routine mini-C-arm does not yield hand or eye dosages exceeding current recommended levels. Over a 12-month period, hand and eye radiation exposure was prospectively measured in a single board-certified hand surgeon using mini-C-arm fluoroscopy. Twenty-five cases were performed utilizing mini-C-arm fluoroscopy. Average monthly hand radiation dosage (45.81±14.49 mrem) was significantly higher (p = .01) than eye radiation dosage (<30 mrem). Both recorded values were below their respective critical exposure limits, as reported by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The findings suggest that hand and eye exposure associated with mini-C-arm utilization during routine surgery does not approach reported levels of critical radiation loads.
Insights
Orthopedic surgeons
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Intraoperative fluoroscopy, particularly mini-C-arm use, presents potential radiation exposure risks for orthopedic surgeons.
- Understanding radiation dosimetry for hand and eye is crucial for occupational safety in orthopedic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare hand versus eye radiation exposure during mini-C-arm fluoroscopy.
- To evaluate if routine mini-C-arm use results in radiation dosages exceeding established safety limits.
Main Methods:
- Prospective measurement of hand and eye radiation exposure over 12 months in a single hand surgeon.
- Data collected from 25 surgical cases utilizing a mini-C-arm fluoroscopy device.
Main Results:
- Average monthly hand radiation dosage (45.81±14.49 mrem) was significantly higher than eye radiation dosage (<30 mrem).
- Both hand and eye radiation dosages remained below critical exposure limits set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
Conclusions:
- Routine mini-C-arm utilization in orthopedic surgery does not appear to approach critical radiation exposure levels for the hand or eyes.
- Findings suggest current practices are within safe radiation limits for surgeons performing procedures with mini-C-arms.
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