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Is It Safe to Use a Lead Screen During Hip Arthroscopy?
Alexander Rahill1, Leah Biffin2, Camdon Fary1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation
|May 24, 2021
Summary
Lead screens offer comparable radiation protection to lead gowns during hip arthroscopy. These screens provide a safer and more comfortable alternative for surgeons, effectively reducing radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Medical physics
- Radiation safety
Background:
- Hip arthroscopy involves significant radiation exposure for surgeons.
- Traditional lead gowns offer protection but can be cumbersome.
- Alternative shielding methods are needed to improve surgeon comfort and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the radiation attenuation effectiveness of lead screens versus lead gowns.
- To evaluate lead screens as a viable alternative shielding option in simulated hip arthroscopy.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative laboratory study utilized a phantom pelvis to simulate patient scatter during hip arthroscopy.
- Radiation measurements were taken at 1.5 m and 2 m distances using a handheld detector.
- Shielding effectiveness was assessed using no shielding (control), a 0.4-mm lead equivalent gown, and a 0.5-mm lead equivalent screen.
Main Results:
- Both lead screens and lead gowns achieved equivalent radiation attenuation of 94% at 1.5 m.
- The lead screen demonstrated 95% radiation attenuation at 2 m (measured at 1.7 m).
Conclusions:
- Lead screens are a safe and effective radiation shielding option in hip arthroscopy.
- Lead screens offer improved comfort compared to lead gowns for surgical staff.
- Optimal placement involves positioning the screen at least 1.2 m from the source, with the surgeon positioned behind it.
