The risk from radiation exposure during operative X-ray screening in hand surgery.
In response to legislation concerning the use of ionizing radiation, and to a case in which a patient developed multiple skin malignancies as a result of over-exposure to ionizing radiation, we set up an investigation to attempt to quantify the radiation dosage to which theatre personnel are exposed during X-ray fluoroscopy (screening) in hand surgery. It was found that the risk was small if sensible precautions were taken, but increased significantly if they were ignored. From these results specific measures are outlined which, when implemented, reduce the dose of scattered radiation to which theatre personnel and patients are subjected during screening in hand surgery.
Arnstein
P M
PM
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK.
Richards
A M
AM
Putney
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013502:General Surgery; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation; D011859:Radiography / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012542:Scattering, Radiation