THE RISK FROM RADIATION EXPOSURE DURING OPERATIVE X-RAY SCREENING IN HAND SURGERY

In response to legislation concerning the use of ionizing radiation, a nd to a case in which a patient developed multiple skin malignancies a s a result of over-exposure to ionizing radiation, we set up an invest igation to attempt to quantify the radiation dosage to which theatre p ersonnel are exposed during X-ray fluoroscopy (screening) in hand surg ery. It was found that the risk was small if sensible precautions were taken, but increased significantly if they were ignored. From these r esults specific measures are outlined which, when implemented, reduce the dose of scattered radiation to which theatre personnel and patient s are subjected during screening in hand surgery.