Intraoperative radiation exposure in displaced supracondylar humeral fractures: a comparison of surgical methods

Crossed K-wires, descending elastic stable intramedullary nailing and radial external fixator are alternatives in the operative treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures. Only little knowledge of intraciperative radiation exposure exists in those procedures. We found average image intensifier times of 30.7 s for K-wires, 41.4 s for the external fixator and 80.0s for elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Extensively increased fluoroscopy times was seen in cases switched from closed to open reduction intraoperatively. To avoid unnecessary intraoperative radiation exposure for patient, surgeon and staff, limits of radiation time are recommended as an additional indicator to change the surgical procedure to another fixation method or open reduction.