Radiation exposure to an orthopedic surgeon

Occupational radiation exposure was measured using three film badges and one ring thermoluminescent dosimeter. The radiation dose in the hospital but outside the operating room was measured as zero for the 12-month period. The measured trunk dose in the operating room was 5 mrem, and the measured dose to the head and neck region was 227 mrem. For selected orthopedic procedures a ring thermoluminescent dosimeter was worn on the left ring finger (under a lead glove when appropriate) and measured 0 mrem. The measured occupational radiation exposure to the author was well below the recommendations of the U.S. National Committee on Radiation Protection for maximal permissible dose. However, caution is advised since the long-term biologic effects of exposure to low doses of radiation are not well known. Since many factors influence the amount of radiation to individual surgeons, the data obtained are not necessarily representative.