Radiation dose to staff from scatter radiation in the post-anaesthetic recovery ward

Though recovery is a significant aspect of the post-surgical orthopaedic patient pathway, radiation dose from medical imaging to staff within the post-anaesthetic recovery unit, is not extensively researched. This study aimed to quantify the distribution of scatter radiation for common post-surgical orthopaedic examinations.

A Raysafe Xi survey meter was used to record scattered dose at various locations around an anthropomorphic phantom, with positions simulating the potential positions of nearby staff and patients. X-ray projections of the AP Pelvis, Lateral Hip, AP and lateral knee were simulated using a portable x-ray machine. Readings were tabulated and diagrams drawn representing the distribution of scatter measurements from each of the four procedures.

Magnitude of dose was dependent on imaging parameters (ie. kVp and mAs), the area of body exposed (ie. hip or knee), and the type of projection (ie. AP or lateral). Knee exposures proved much lower than hip exposures at any distance from the radiation source.

Maintaining a two-metre distance from the x-ray source was justified most profoundly by the hip exposures. Staff should have confidence that occupational limits will not be reached with adherence to the practices suggested. This study provides comprehensive diagrams and dose measurements with the aim of educating staff working around radiation.