Quantification of Radiation Exposure in Canadian Orthopaedic Surgery Residents

Natural radiation exposure in the general population averages 3 milliSieverts (mSv) annually; however, radiation exposure in orthopaedic residents is not well defined. Despite protective measures, evidence of radiation-related diseases in orthopaedic surgeons is increasing. The purpose of this study was to quantify radiation exposure in orthopaedic residents and to determine the variability of exposure among post graduate year (PGY) of residency.

Monthly radiation exposure was measured prospectively over a 12-month period in orthopaedic surgery residents from a single program. Participants wore dosimeters above ("exposed") and beneath ("shielded") protective lead. The primary outcome measure was the absolute value of radiation exposure in mSv. Repeated measures analysis was used to assess exposure with age, sex, year of training, operating room (OR) days, and height.

Mean annual occupational radiation exposure was 3.30 ± 0.64 mSv over an average of 107 ± 38 OR days. Mean exposure per OR day was 0.033 ± 0.008 mSv. PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents had the highest cumulative exposure, and PGY-5 residents had the highest mean exposure per OR day (0.044 ± 0.009 mSv/d). Number of OR days per month and PGY level were significant predictors of radiation exposure (p < 0.05). Sex, age, and height were not significant in predicting radiation of the exposed dosimeter.

Orthopaedic residents' exposure to radiation is nearly twice the general population's exposure. Given that yearly radiation exposure was highest during early residency years, but exposure based on number of OR days was highest in the final year of training, it is essential for resident education regarding radiation safety and safe clinical practices throughout their training.