Occupational radiation exposure and pregnancy in orthopaedics.
Radiological imaging is necessary in a wide variety of trauma and elective orthopaedic operations. The evolving orthopaedic workforce includes an increasing number of pregnant workers. Current legislation in the United Kingdom, Europe and United States allows them to choose their degree of participation, if any, with fluoroscopic procedures. For those who wish to engage in radiation-prone procedures, specific regulations apply to limit the radiation dose to the pregnant worker and unborn child. This paper considers those aspects of radiation protection, the potential effects of exposure to radiation in pregnancy and the dose of radiation from common orthopaedic procedures, which are important for safe clinical practice.
Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK. chika@doctors.org.uk
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Uzoigwe
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Middleton
D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000528:radiation effects; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011247:Pregnancy; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods