Abstract
Recent reports observe that orthopaedic surgeons lack essential knowledge about ionising radiation. We aim to demonstrate perceived use of image-intensifiers by surgeons and awareness of radiation doses used during fractured neck of femur surgery.
Surgeons at a regional trauma centre were sent an online questionnaire. They were shown two neck of femur fracture radiographs and asked the total number of images they would use to reduce and fix the fracture with a dynamic-hip-screw / inter-medullary nail respectively. They were asked the maximum safe radiation dose, and that of ‘hip pining’ compared to CXR as outlined by the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999.
For a DHS, consultants and registrars estimate their image use similarly. For IM nailing, consultants estimated higher image use than registrars, and double the number of X-rays taken for IM nailing compared to DHS. Knowledge levels regarding radiation doses during orthopaedic hip procedures are very low.
There is an expectation that more images will be used in IM nailing procedures. We plan to educate orthopaedic surgeons about radiation dose and safety. Correlating our findings with actual use of image in theatre when performing hip fracture surgery would extend the use of this study.
