Scattered radiation during fixation of hip fractures - Is distance alone enough protection?

We measured the scattered radiation received by theatre staff, using high-s ensitivity electronic personal dosimeters, during fixation of extracapsular fractures of the neck of the femur by dynamic hip screw. The dose received was correlated with that received by the patient, and the distance from th e source of radiation. A scintillation detector and a water-filled model we re used to define a map of the dose rate of scattered radiation in a standa rd operating theatre during surgery. Beyond two metres from the source of r adiation, the scattered dose received was consistently low, while within th e operating distance that received by staff was significant for both latera l and posteroanterior (PA) projections. The routine use of lead aprons outside the 2 m zone may be unnecessary. Wit hin that zone it is recommended that lead aprons be worn and that thyroid s hields are available for the surgeon and nursing assistants.