Peri-operative radiation exposure: Are overweight patients at increased risks?
The aim of this study was to identify if there was a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and intra-operative radiation exposure. A retrospective review of 81 patients who had sliding hip screw fixation for femoral neck fractures in one year was completed, recording body mass index (BMI), screening time, dose area product (DAP), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, seniority of operating surgeon and complexity of the fracture configuration. There was a statistically significant correlation between dose area product and BMI. There was no statistically significant relationship between screening time and BMI. There was no statistical difference between ASA grade, seniority of surgeon, or complexity of fracture configuration and dose area product. Simulated stochastic risks were increased for overweight patients. Overweight patients are exposed to increased doses of radiation regardless of length of screening time. Surgeons and theatre staff should be aware of the increased radiation exposure during fixation of fractures in overweight patients and, along with radiographers, ensure steps are taken to minimise these risks. Whilst such radiation dosages may have little adverse effect for individual patients, these findings may be of more relevance and concern to staff that will be exposed to increased radiation.
Raigmore Hospital, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3UJ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: sdalgleish@nhs.net.
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Dalgleish
Radiation Protection, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, United Kingdom.
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Hince
Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Stirling, United Kingdom.
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Finlayson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D061214:Patient Safety; D019990:Perioperative Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
Body mass index; Hip fracture; Obesity; Radiation; Radiation protection; Trauma