Radiation Exposure to the Orthopaedic Surgeon and Efficacy of a Novel Radiation Attenuation Product

The purpose of this study was to examine the intraoperative radiation dosage to different body parts and to determine the effectiveness of a new lightweight radiation-attenuating fabric (XPF) versus lead, the current standard. For 51 cases involving fluoroscopy, one attending orthopaedic surgeon wore a set of three dosimeters at various locations. Per each set of three, one dosimeter was shielded with a swatch of XPF, one was placed underneath the lead apron, and one was left exposed. The total dose of radiation was tabulated per body site and the percent attenuation was calculated for both XPF and lead. There was no statistically significant difference in the percent of radiation attenuation by lead and XPF (p = .47). The use of XPF produced 57.83% reduction in weight compared with lead when adjusting for total surface body area. XPF can be used for operating room personnel and patients, providing effective protection from radiation. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 26(4):246–249, 2017) Key words: ALARA, C-arm, fluoroscopy, lead, radiation, XPF