LAUSR

OBJECTIVES To review and evaluate the validity of common perceptions and practices regarding radiation safety in orthopaedic trauma. DESIGN Retrospective. SETTING Level I trauma center. SUBJECTS N/A. INTERVENTION Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Radiation Dose Estimates. RESULTS Surgeon radiation exposure estimates performed at the level of the thyroid, chest, and pelvis demonstrate an estimated total annual exposure of 1521mR, 2452mR, and 1129mR, respectively. In all cases, wearing lead provides a significant reduction (90% or better) in the amount of radiation exposure (in terms of both radiation risk and levels of radiation reaching the body) received by the surgeon. Surgeons are inadequately protected from radiation exposure with non-circumferential lead. The commonly accepted notion that there is negligible exposure when standing greater than six feet from the radiation source is misleading, particularly when cumulative exposure is considered. Finally, we demonstrated that trauma surgeons specializing in pelvis and acetabular fracture care are at an increased risk of exposure to potentially dangerous levels of radiation given the amount of radiation required for their caseload. CONCLUSION Common myths and misperceptions regarding radiation in orthopaedic trauma are unfounded. Proper use of circumferential PPE is critical in preventing excess radiation exposure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Decision Analyses Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.