Radiation Exposure during Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: The safe amount of radiation permissible during fixation of neck of femur fractures has long been studied. Factors including surgeons’ experience have been highlighted. We aimed in this study to compare different factors for quality and safety improvement. Methods: It was a retrospective study, including all patients who had undergone a standard DHS fixation between January 2018 and June 2019 for inter-trochanteric neck of femur fractures. Two groups were stratified; (Group A) had the procedure performed by a specialist non-consultant surgeon (NCG) and (Group B) by an established consultant (CG). The Dose Area Product (DAP) and the duration of radiation exposure were recorded. Results: Over a period of 18 months, 91 cases were included with a mean age of 82 years old. The mean weight was 62 kg. 42 patients had complex fractures, and 49 patients had simple fractures. 12% of patients were ASA II, 70% of cases were ASA III and 18% of the patients were ASA IV. The mean DAP for group A was 345.131 CGYCM2 (SD 273.65) and for group B 234.63 CGYCM2 (SD 165.30). The time of exposure was 8.6 sec and 13.16 sec in groups B and A respectively. Conclusion: The data collected from this study were comparable to others. The amount of radiation exposure was of difference related to the decision-making intra-operatively. Other factors were not statistically significant.