IMAGE INTENSIFIER RADIATION DOSES IN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY:- PATIENTS UNDERGOING SPINAL SURGERY RECEIVE THE MOST EXPOSURE.

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation dose exposure to patients in a main X-ray department in a hospital is well documented and controlled. Few studies report the radiation exposure to patients undergoing spinal surgery received from an image intensifier. There are no recommended doses published when using the image intensifier

Methods: We reviewed the radiation doses and exposure times from computer and radiation log records of all the patients who underwent trauma & orthopaedic surgery which required an image intensifier between January and September 2005. The Dose-Area-Product (Gray/cm2) and screening time was recorded.

Results: More than 600 patients underwent trauma & orthopaedic surgery that required an image intensifier at the time of surgery. The mean screening Dose Area Product of the patients undergoing spinal surgery and other common procedures are shown (Gray/cm2):- Lumbar fusion – 23. Disc replacement – 10. Discogram – 4.9. Foraminal injection – 4.4. DHS – 1.86. IMHS – 1.33. ORIF Ankle – 0.89. MUA k-wire wrist – 0.04. The four surgical procedures which required the most radiation were spinal procedures. The maximum radiation is given to patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion.

Conclusion: Patients undergoing spinal surgery can receive as much radiation exposure as those undergoing procedures such as barium swallow or standard lumbar spine films. Efforts should be made to reduce radiation exposure to orthopaedic patients, and operating surgeons especially those undergoing spinal surgery. By publishing our radiation exposure doses, we can begin to establish guidelines for recommended patient doses.