Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Modern orthopaedic surgery increasingly involves the use of fluoroscopic imaging in theatre. This has led to an increase in radiation exposure to the orthopaedic surgeon and other theatre staff. There is very little research as to which orthopaedic subspecialty may lead to higher exposures. This study aims to demonstrate whether radiation exposure levels in orthopaedic registrars in the Pietermaritzburg Complex are within safety limits and also to determine which subspecialty rotations lead to increased exposure levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective quantitative observational study analysed the dosimeter readings of 20 registrars over a one-year period. Dosimeter readings were also analysed per subspecialty rotation, namely orthopaedic trauma, spinal surgery, arthroplasty, ortho-paediatrics, upper limb surgery, and tumour sepsis and reconstruction. RESULTS: No registrar was found to have a dosimeter reading exceeding the International Commission on Radiological Protection guidelines. Rotations in which registrars received measureable readings were orthopaedic trauma, upper limb surgery, spinal surgery and arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Trauma rotations appeared to produce to highest radiation exposure readings, although these were still within international safety limits. Knowledge of radiation safety, staff education and safety measures to limit any unnecessary exposure should be employed.
Highlights
Modern orthopaedic surgery increasingly involves the use of fluoroscopic imaging in theatre
This study aimed to demonstrate whether radiation exposure readings among registrars in the Pietermaritzburg Complex were within safety limits and investigates whether any specific rotations might put registrars at increased risk
A single registrar received an isolated reading of 2.57 mSv, which was the highest reading obtained in the group and well within the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) guidelines (Figure 1)
Summary
Modern orthopaedic surgery increasingly involves the use of fluoroscopic imaging in theatre. This has led to an increase in radiation exposure to the orthopaedic surgeon and other theatre staff. Modern orthopaedic practice increasingly involves the use of fluoroscopic imaging during surgery. Fluoroscopy is frequently used to facilitate surgical procedures including the reduction of long bone fractures and accurate placement of internal and external fixation devices. This has led to increased exposure to ionising radiation and is a potential occupational hazard to the orthopaedic registrar and accompanying theatre staff who are often under-educated and unaware of its dangers.[1]. The whole body effective dose limit for radiation workers is 20 mSv/year averaged over 5 years, whereas this limit for the general public is 1 mSv/year.[5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
