Ionising radiation during internal fixation of extracapsular neck of femur fractures

Abstract

This study analyses the relationship between the level of experience of both surgeon and radiographer and the radiation dose administered in theatre, during fixation of extracapsular proximal femoral fractures. From the 63 dynamic hip screw procedures performed, 10 were done by Senior House Officers (SHOs), 10 by Consultants and 43 by Registrars, whereas Basic Radiographers were involved in all cases. Fractures were classified as two part, three part or four part. A four part fracture required higher levels of radiation dose and screening time as compared with a two part fracture. All two part fractures were screened by radiographers of similar experience; however, the radiation dose and screening time were different amongst different levels of surgeon. The highest radiation dose and screening times were recorded when an SHO was the operating surgeon and the lowest when a registrar was the surgeon. The two part and three part fractures performed by registrars were subdivided according to the experience of the radiographer. In both cases a statistically significant difference was found between the dose of radiation administered in theatre and the years of experience of the radiographers (p < 0.05).