Determination of radiation doses received during knee joint x-ray procedures in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Diagnostic X-ray procedures play a significant role in the health sectors of the nations. The study was performed to determine the entrance skin dose received during knee joint radiographic examination, covering two x-ray units and a sample of 121 patients. The exposure factors such as kilovolt (kV), exposure time product (mAs), Film Focus Distance (FFD), Focus to Skin Distance (FSD) and patient’s age were recorded in the data collection form designed and entered into excel spreadsheet. Entrance Skin Dose was calculated using Mathematical expression incorporated into excels spreadsheet. The mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviation of exposure parameters and ESD were estimated using Minitab software. The results of mean ESD values calculated for AP and Lateral view of Knee showed that patient exposures are remarkably high compare to the result obtained in Nigeria and international countries. The mean AP and lateral view of ESD were: 0.91 mGy and 0.90 mGy for SMH, while FMC has the values of 0.16 mGy and 0.33 mGy for AP and Lateral knee view. Therefore, for both AP & lateral view of SMH results are significantly higher than FMC values as a result of variation in exposure factors.