Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 1226-2102
eISSN 2005-8918
    J Korean Orthop Assoc. 2010 Apr;45(2):107-113. Korean.
    Published online Apr 19, 2010.
    https://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2010.45.2.107
    Copyright © 2010 by The Korean Orthopaedic Association
    Original Article

    Radiation Exposure to the Orthopaedic Surgeon during Fracture Surgery

    Ji Wan Kim, M.D.,* and Jung Jae Kim, M.D.
      • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, Uiversity of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
      • *Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
    • Correspondence to: Jung Jae Kim, M.D. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, #388-1, Pungnap-2dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul 138-736, Korea. TEL: +82-2-3010-3538, FAX: +82-2-488-7877, Email: jjkim2@amc.seoul.kr
    Received September 02, 2009; Accepted December 16, 2009.

    This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

    Abstract

    Purpose

    To assess the risk of radiation exposure by measuring the equivalent dose during fracture surgery.

    Materials and Methods

    Two orthopedic trauma surgeons were enrolled in this study from April to June 2009. The equivalent dose was measured using thermoluminiscent dosimeters placed at the left (in and out of the lead apron).

    Results

    The equivalent dose measured from the apron over the 3 month period were 5.22 mSv, 4.34 mSv(outside), and 1.83 mSv and 0.71 mSv(inside). The rate of radiation reduction was 64.9% and 83.6% respectively.

    Conclusion

    The estimated annual equivalent dose outside the apron was close to or higher than the maximum limit of radiation exposure. These findings highlight the need for surgeons to be more cautious about radiation exposure during fracture management and take active steps to minimize radiation exposure, such as wearing a radio-protective apron.

    Keywords
    fracture surgery; fluoroscopy; radiation exposure; equivalent dose

    Figures

    Figure 1
    Photograph showing the location of TLD (thermo luminescent dosimeter). One TLD is placed at the left chest (in and out of the apron). The radio-protective apron is a half apron.

    Figure 2
    C-arm fluoroscopy with x-ray tube and image intensifier. (A) Typical C-arm fluoroscopy. (B) Inverted C-arm fluoroscopy.

    Figure 3
    Stray radiation fields for lateral projection. (A) 100 cm and (B) 150 cm above the floor (Reprinted, with permission, from reference 25).

    Tables

    Table 1
    Annual Recommended Limits for Occupational and Nonoccupational Radiation Exposure

    Table 2
    The Equivalent Dose (mSv) Exposure Measured with TLD

    Table 3
    Estimates of Exposure Time during Surgical Procedure

    Table 4
    Distribution of Annual Radiation Exposure of Korean Doctors in 2007

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    MeSH Terms
    Fluoroscopy
    Orthopedics
    Metrics
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    Tables
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