Cavity ionization theory is applied to the dosimetry of bones incorporating beta- and gamma-emitting radioactive isotopes. The assumptions inherent in different theoretical approaches to bone dosimetry are reviewed and compared with those adopted in cavity theory. In presenting the theory attention is given to the effects of electron and photon attenuation and to the absence of electronic equilibrium which may occur in bone. The mean marrow dose is calculated for a range of cavity size and gamma-ray energies and for a beta-ray emitter. The mean marrow dose and the mean endosteal dose are calculated for a human lumbar vertebra and some comparisons made with the results of other workers. It is concluded that cavity theory provides a useful approach to the dosimetry problems of bone-seeking beta- and gamma-ray radioactive isotopes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.