Skill dependence of radiation exposure for the orthopaedic surgeon during interlocking nailing of long-bone shaft fractures: a clinical study

Introduction The objective of this clinical trial was to determine whether there is a skill dependence for the total amount of radiation exposure to orthopaedic surgeons caused by fluoroscopy during intramedullary fracture fixation. Materials and methods Surgical teams were assigned to either the 'Senior group' or the 'Junior group' according to their professional qualification and clinical appointment. Twenty-two long-bone shaft fractures were stabilized with intramedullary nails. The radiation exposure was measured at different body locations including fingers, trunk and head by means of thermoluminescent LiF: Mg, Cu, P detectors. The total time of fluoroscopy was registered for each operation. Results Mean time of fluoroscopy per operation was 4.43 min for the 'Senior group' and 6.95 min for the 'Junior group'. The surgeons' hands were exposed to markedly higher doses ( range 0 - 2.88 mSv 'Senior group'; 0 - 11.94 mSv 'Junior group') than their trunk and head ( range 0 - 0.27 mSv 'Senior group'; 0 - 0.38 mSv 'Junior group'). After analysis of variance, differences between both groups proved to be statistically significant for all fingers measured ( p less than or equal to 0.02) and for the total time of fluoroscopy ( p = 0.019). Conclusions Generally, the hands are at higher risk than are the trunk and the head, and this finding is independent of surgical skills. However, an additional hazard is created for the less experienced surgeon by a highly varying and poorly predictable exposure of the hands and time needed for fluoroscopy. Thus, the use of radiation is more consistent and standardized with a skilled surgeon.