Estimation of Radiation Dose Received in Knee Joint x-ray Examination

Abstract

Abstract Background: Diagnostic X-ray examinations play an important role in the health care of the population. These examinations may involve significant irradiation of the patient and probably represent the largest manufactured source of radiation exposure for the population. Purpose: This study performed to assess the effective dose (ED) received in lumbosacral radiographic examination in order to analyze effective dose distributions among radiological departments under study. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in Khartoum teaching hospital, covering two x-ray units and a sample of 50 patients. The following parameters were recorded age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) derived from weight (kg) and (height (m)) and exposure factors. The dose was measured for knee joint x-rays examination. For effective dose calculation, the entrance surface dose (ESD) values were estimated from the x-ray tube output parameters for knee joint AP and lateral examinations. The ED values were then calculated from the obtained ESD values using IAEA calculation methods. Effective doses were then calculated from energy imparted using ED conversion factors proposed by IAEA. Results: The results of ED values calculated showed that patient exposure were within the normal range of exposure. The mean ED values calculated were 2.49 +0.03 and 5.60 + 0.22 for knee joint AP and lateral examinations, respectively. Conclusion: Further studies are recommended with more number of patients and using more two modalities for comparison.