Protecting the Orthopaedic Surgeon: An Institutional Review of Radiation Safety Practices, Knowledge, and Risks.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Orthopaedic surgeons face high ionizing radiation exposure, necessitating adherence to safety principles like "As low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA).
• Limited research exists on radiation knowledge within academic orthopaedic surgery departments.
• This study addresses radiation safety knowledge, practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) availability in an academic orthopaedic surgery setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current level of radiation safety knowledge among orthopaedic surgery personnel.
• To evaluate radiation safety practices within the academic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
• To determine the availability and satisfaction with communal lead PPE across affiliated hospital locations.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous, web-based survey was distributed to orthopaedic surgery residents, fellows, physician assistants, and faculty.
• Data collected included radiation safety training, knowledge, and operating practices.
• Statistical analyses (ANOVA, t-test) were employed to compare knowledge and practice scores based on training adequacy.

Main Results:

• Fifty-eight personnel completed the survey, representing various roles within the department.
• Average knowledge and practice scores were 9.72/20 and 19.63/48, respectively.
• Statistically significant differences in scores were observed based on self-reported training adequacy. PPE availability was 43.11%, with 60.8% satisfaction with lead aprons.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need to enhance radiation safety knowledge and practices within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
• Improving the availability of communal personal protective equipment (PPE) across all hospital locations is recommended.
• Addressing these areas is crucial for minimizing radiation risks to patients and staff.