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. 2024 Nov 20;16(11):e74122.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74122. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Radiation Protection in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Regional Survey

Dhiraj Sharma  1 , Kate Spacey  2 , Ignatius Liew  1 , Mike Dunne  3 , Vivek Sharma  2
Affiliations

Radiation Protection in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Regional Survey

Dhiraj Sharma et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction Orthopaedic surgery frequently involves the use of intra-operative radiographs, commonly taken with surgeons standing in close proximity to the X-ray machine. Radiation training and appropriate radiation protection minimise the harm that surgeons can face from ionising radiation. This study evaluates the current state of radiation training and protective equipment available to orthopaedic surgeons in the East of England. Methods A digital questionnaire on Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA) was disseminated to regional orthopaedic surgeons between October 2022 and January 2023. Results Of the 75 respondents, 49% were consultants and 51% were trainees at various stages. Regarding training and risk assessment, 62% of surgeons lacked radiation protection training, 45% of female trainees didn't undergo radiation risk assessments during pregnancy, and none did while breastfeeding. Concerning radiation protection, all respondents inadvertently X-rayed their hands; lead gloves and glasses were scarce, and X-ray gowns were in poor condition and in a limited range of sizes. Most surgeons were unwilling to purchase their own dosimeters, lead gowns, thyroid guards, and lead glasses, despite their limited availability, inadequate size range, and poor condition. No significant differences were observed between consultant and registrar responses. Conclusion The study reveals inadequate training and mitigation against radiation exposure in orthopaedics. The lack of radiation training prompted its inclusion in this year's trainee inductions. The shortage of proper radiation protective equipment exposes surgeons to radiation risks. Orthopaedic surgeons should not have to choose between workplace health and safety and affordability. Greater financial support and investment in radiation protection should be prioritised to minimise radiation-induced harm. We aim to raise awareness and encourage key decision-makers to address this critical issue.

Keywords: ionising radiation exposure; occupational health hazards; orthopaedic surgery; radiation protection; radiation training.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Survey answers on lead gown sizes, availability, and condition
Figure 2
Figure 2. Online survey on radiation training and protection in orthopaedic surgery (page one)
Figure 3
Figure 3. Online survey on radiation training and protection in orthopaedic surgery (page two)
Figure 4
Figure 4. Online survey on radiation training and protection in orthopaedic surgery (page three)
Figure 5
Figure 5. Online survey on radiation training and protection in orthopaedic surgery (page four)
Figure 6
Figure 6. Online survey on radiation training and protection in orthopaedic surgery (page five)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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