In plain language
In 28 endoscopic spine surgeries in Japan, the operating surgeon received far more scatter radiation at chest level than the assistant, supervisor or scrub nurse, mostly during needle and sheath setup. These are over-apron dosimeter readings, not health outcomes.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Dosimetry measurement study
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons, Nurses
- Size
- n = 28 procedures
- Where
- Japan
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
The operator had the highest over-apron chest dose per case, significantly more than the other staff.
Key figures: median 0.244 mSv [interquartile range (IQR) 0.175-0.413]; p < 0.001
Operator dose was concentrated in the Setup phase (local anesthesia, needle puncture, sheath placement), well above the Marking and Check phases.
Key figures: Phase 2 median 0.194 mSv vs 0.065 mSv (Phase 1) and 0.002 mSv (Phase 3), p < 0.001
The scrub nurse received about 1/52 of the operator's over-apron dose.
Key figures: 0.004 mSv [0.003-0.009]; operator-to-nurse ratio 51.9 (IQR 38.3-71.4)
The adjacent assistant received about one-third of the operator's dose.
Key figures: 0.081 mSv [0.046-0.133]; ratio 3.3
Operator total dose did not differ significantly by type of endoscopic procedure.
Key figures: p = 0.394
Limits to keep in mind
Single-center study of 28 cases with only chest-level over-apron dosimeters, so hand, lens and under-apron doses were not measured and readings do not represent effective dose. No supplemental shielding was used and fluoroscopy mode contributions could not be separated.
Related research summaries
- 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)
- ICRP Draft - Radiological Protection in Fluoroscopically Guided Procedures (Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation exposure to operating room personnel and patients during endovascular procedures (2013, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Radiation Exposure To Operating Room Personnel And Patients During Endovascular Procedures (2013, Dosimetry measurement study)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the full text 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.