Occupational Radiation Exposure for a Spinal Interventionalist Performing Fluoroscopic Selective Nerve Root Block: A...

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Occupational Health
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Growing awareness of long-term, low-dose radiation risks.
• Limited data on radiation exposure for spinal interventionalists during SNRB.
• Need for accurate dose evaluation and protective measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify radiation exposure doses to interventionalists during SNRB using C-arm fluoroscopy.
• Assess the effectiveness of lead-equivalent protective gear in reducing exposure.
• Compare radiation doses based on X-ray source position (under vs. over table).

Main Methods:

• Irradiation of seven fresh cadavers simulating SNRB procedures.
• C-arm fluoroscopy used with X-ray source positioned under and over the table.
• Real-time dosimeters measured radiation exposure on various body parts with and without lead-equivalent protective gear.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher scatter radiation to the upper body when the X-ray source was over the table.
• Lead protective gear reduced radiation exposure irrespective of source position.
• Direct hand radiation dose was extremely high (85x) with the over-table source, even with protective gloves.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first detailed quantification of scattered and direct radiation doses to specific body parts during SNRB.
• Spinal interventionalists should prioritize under-table X-ray source positioning.
• Consistent use of adequate protective gear is essential to minimize occupational radiation exposure.