RT Journal
A1 Giordano, Brian D.
A1 Ryder, Steven
A1 Baumhauer, Judith F.
A1 DiGiovanni, Benedict F.
T1 Exposure to Direct and Scatter Radiation with Use of Mini-C-Arm Fluoroscopy
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2007
FD May 1
VO 89
IS 5
SP 948
OP 952
DO 10.2106/JBJS.F.00733
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.F.00733
AB Background: Mini-c-arm fluoroscopy has become an important resource
to the orthopaedic surgeon. Exposure of the orthopaedic surgical team to
radiation during standard large-c-arm fluoroscopy has been well studied;
however, little is known about the amount of exposure to which a surgical team
is subjected with the use of mini-c-arm fluoroscopy. Moreover, there is
controversy regarding the use of protective measures with mini-c-arm
fluoroscopy.Methods: We evaluated the use of mini-c-arm fluoroscopy during a
simulated surgical procedure to quantify the relative radiation doses at
various locations in the operative field. A standard calibrated mini-c-arm
fluoroscope was used to image a phantom upper extremity with thirteen
radiation dosimeters placed at various distances and angulations to detect
radiation exposure.Results: After 155 sequential fluoroscopy exposures, totaling 300.2
seconds of imaging time, only the sensor placed in a direct line with the
imaging beam recorded a substantial amount of measurable radiation
exposure.Conclusions: The surgical team is exposed to minimal radiation
during routine use of mini-c-arm fluoroscopy, except when they are in the
direct path of the radiation beam.