Evaluation of the Occupational Radiation Exposure from C-arm Fluoroscopy during Common Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures: DAP-based Dose Simulation Method

Abstract

The use of fluoroscopy in orthopaedic operations cause a risk for radiation-induced carcinoma for the theatre staff. Thus, the aim of the study was to calculate the occupational radiation doses (ORD) for the orthopaedic theatre crew during fluoroscopy-guided surgeries and to compare them with accepted reference standards. The end Dose Area Products (DAP) were recorded for the commonest 3 types of orthopaedic surgeries by observing 50 surgeries in 2 hospital. The ORD for 4 types of theatre personnel were simulated using. ORDs were statistically analyzed. The calculated mean annual dosage was 0.977mSv. All dosages fell significantly below the reference threshold (20mSv) or less annually. The mean doses that each member of the staff received during the same surgery was different from one another. The orthopaedic surgeon predominantly receives the highest ORD (88.89%), whilst the anaesthetist receives the least (77.78%).