Radiation and the Female Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Radiation exposure is an important topic to all orthopedic surgeons. Female orthopedic surgeons constitute a small proportion of orthopedic surgeons, but seem to have a higher risk for the development of malignancies when compared to the general population. Multiple studies have demonstrated increased prevalence of breast cancer in women surgeons. Lead protection studies show that the upper outer quadrant of the breast, which is where most cancers occur, may not be protected during fluoroscopy use. Future research and education initiative need to be focused on education surgeons and hospital administration on the importance of safe radiation practices, including female-specific lead.