Scattered radiation during osteosynthesis of the distal radius: A phantom study

Abstract

Modern fracture surgery requires an increasing number of operative procedures utilising radiological control. During osteosyntheses patients receive scattered radiation when fluoroscopy is used. Unlike operating-room staff, patients are not protected during these procedures. The aim of this study was to measure the amount of scattered radiation in the phantom plane during a simulated osteosynthesis in order to evaluate the patient’s need for protection. A lower arm anthropomorphic phantom was irradiated with the use of a Philips BV Pulsera C-arm. The amounts of scattered radiation at distances from 10 to 160 cm and angles of 0 to 180 degrees in the phantom plane were measured with a real-time dosimeter. The same amount of measurements was repeated with a fixation plate on top of the phantom to simulate a fracture reduction operation. The maximum amount of scattered radiation was 1.63 µSv at a distance of 10 cm from the edge of the radiation beam. This phantom study shows that scattered radiation during osteosyntheses of the distal radius is negligible and therefore no patient protection is needed. The results should be interpreted carefully as this is a phantom study.