In plain language
In 40 hip fracture operations in Brazil, surgeons' estimated annual eye lens doses were about 30% of the limit. Occasional hand exposure to the direct x-ray field accounted for most hand dose, so keeping hands out of the imaged field matters.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Dosimetry measurement study
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Size
- n = 40 procedures
- Where
- Brazil
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Estimated annual effective doses for leading and auxiliary surgeons were about 1.3-1.5 mSv, roughly 7.5% of the annual limit, assuming 325 procedures per year.
Key figures: 1.3-1.5 mSv; ~7.5% of annual limit (n= 325 procedures yr-1)
Estimated annual eye lens doses for both surgeons approached 30% of the current eye lens dose limit.
Key figures: 4.7-5.8 mSv yr-1
Hp(10) measured on the thyroid shield correlated with Hp(3) at the glabella, suggesting it can serve as a preliminary indicator (within ±15%) of the need for dedicated eye lens monitoring.
Key figures: ±15%; 15 mSv threshold
The glabella (forehead) was identified as the most appropriate eye lens dosimeter location; highest hand doses occurred in complex subtrochanteric fractures.
Limits to keep in mind
Single-hospital study of 40 procedures with annual doses extrapolated from an assumed workload of 325 procedures per year; only surgeons were monitored and details come from the abstract only.
Related research summaries
- Comparative Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality and Traditional Didactic Training on Radiation Safety in Medical Professionals: A Crossover Study (2025, Randomized trial)
- Radiation in the Orthopedic Operating Room: What We Know, What We Do, and What Needs Attention (2025, Narrative review)
- Occupational Radiation Doses to Operators Performing Fluoroscopically-Guided Procedures (2012, Systematic review)
- Radiation exposure of eyes, thyroid gland and hands in orthopaedic staff: a systematic review (2012, Systematic review)
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.