Exposure to ionizing radiation in orthopedic residents in a referral hospital

Abstract

Objective: To describe and analyze the exposure to ionizing radiation of orthopedic residents. Method: A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the degree of exposure to ionizing radiation with a bandage dosimeter placed under the lead apron for medical residents for 10 months. An online survey measured the degree of knowledge about radiation safety. Results: 54 resident physicians participated. 55.6% report having knowledge of the existence of radiological protection equipment and 40.7% report that they had previous training in its use. 77.8% use the leaded apron and 31.5% use thyroid protection. 81.5% were positioned less than 1 meter from the source of the X-ray production of the arc in C. The total mean radiation exposure was 2.9 ± 2.17 mSv (95% confidence interval: 1.25-14.28; p = 0.424). Conclusions: Orthopedic residents present radiation doses below the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended limit. However, there is a lack of knowledge of radiation protection and as well as a lack of interest and ignorance of the adverse effects of radiation.