ObjectiveTo measure the scattered radiation dose at different positions simulating hip
surgery.Materials and MethodsWe simulated fluoroscopy-assisted hip surgery in order to study the
distribution of scattered radiation in the operating room. To simulate the
patient, we used a anthropomorphic whole-body phantom, and we used an
X-ray-specific detector to quantify the radiation. Radiographs were obtained
with a mobile C-arm X-ray system in continuous scan mode, with the tube at
0º (configuration 1) or 90º (configuration 2). The operating parameters
employed (voltage, current, and exposure time) were determined by a
statistical analysis based on the observation of orthopedic surgical
procedures involving the hip.ResultsFor all measurements, higher exposures were observed in configuration 2. In
the measurements obtained as a function of height, the maximum dose rates
observed were 1.167 (± 0.023) µSv/s and 2.278 (± 0.023)
µSv/s in configurations 1 and 2, respectively, corresponding to the
chest level of health care professionals within the operating room. Proximal
to the patient, the maximum values were recorded in the position occupied by
the surgeon.ConclusionWe can conclude that, in the scenario under study, health care professionals
workers are exposed to low levels of radiation, and that those levels can be
reduced through the use of personal protective equipment.