Radiation Exposure Safety Patterns with the Use of Intraoperative Fluoroscopy

To examine current practice patterns in occupational radiation safety by members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and to assess if these vary by surgeon demographics and experience.

An online survey was sent to members of the ASSH and included 18 questions on fluoroscopy practice patterns as well as demographic information, including gender, years of experience, specialty, and geographic region. Multivariate logistic and multinomial regressions were used to determine predictors for fluoroscopy practice patterns while adjusting for these demographic factors.

904 surgeons (27%) responded to the study. The majority of surgeons preferred the mini C-arm for hand (91%) and elbow (70%) surgeries. Most did not use a personal dosimeter (70%). Forty-two percent of surgeons while using the mini C-arm did not use protective devices while only 5% of surgeons did not while using the standard C-arm. Women, surgeons with less than 10 years of experience, and responders in the western United States were the most likely to use protective devices.

Most surveyed surgeons do not monitor their radiation exposure, but the majority of surgeons utilize protective devices. We have identified groups that are most and least likely to comply with recommendations for proper radiation safety.