Radiación de los cirujanos en la fijación interna de fracturas de radio distal. [Surgeon’s radiation exposure in distal radius fractures internal fixation.]

Introduction The objective of this study was to provide reference values of the doses of radiation absorbed by surgeons during ORIFof distal radius fractures. Methods We prospectively evaluated two surgeons radiation exposure during distal radius fracture ORIF between May-December 2015; measured using three dosimeters; one placed on the surgeons thorax, a second one on their neck, and the third one on their dominant wrist. A relative radiation index for each surgery was calculated, to identify the differences between sites. Results We evaluated 50 patients. Surgical procedure duration averaged 40 minutes (SD 2.06), and there were no statistically significant difference between both surgeons (p=0,0436). C-arm exposure time averaged 75 seconds. In global terms there were significant differences between surgeons (p = 0.007), or between sites (p<0,05), evidencing less radiation in the thorax0.04mSv (protected with a lead vest),than in the other two sites (not protected with lead)(wrist 0.017mSv and thyroid 0.18mSv). Conclusion The radiation index constructed provides an indicator, which can be used to monitor and compare radiation dosages absorbed by surgeons. The amount of radiation exposure received by surgeons, when only distal radius fractures are considered, cannot be associated to increased risk of cancer or malignancy development.