To measure the annual radiation exposure of staff in the orthopaedic surgical room.

From January 2010 to December 2010, we measured the radiation exposure of a tumor surgeon, spine surgeon, trauma surgeon, six residents, and six scrub nurses. Radiation was monitored with the use of thermoluminescent dosimeters placed on the chest under the lead apron. The annual dose of radiation exposure was compared to the maximum yearly permissible dose (20 mSv). During the study period, the trauma surgeon made a deliberate effort to minimize the radiation time and maintain a distance of 1 m from the image intensifier.

The annual exposure levels were 0.04 mSv (radiation time, 34 min 50 s), 0.08 mSv (151 min 46 s), and 0.12 mSv (135 min 27 s) for the tumor surgeon, trauma surgeon, and spine surgeon, respectively. The mean exposure was 0.0146 mSv (range, 0.4~0.39 mSv) for the residents and 0.06 mSv (range, 0.04~0.13 mSv) for the scrub nurses. Overall, the annual radiation exposure was 0.2~1.95% of the maximal yearly permissible dose. Despite the longer period of radiation exposure, the trauma surgeon was exposed to a lower dose of radiation than the spine surgeon.

The annual radiation exposure of a trauma surgeon can be reduced by a deliberate effort to decrease exposure time and maintain a distance of at least 1 m from the image intensifier.