Özet:

Purpose: Because radiographic assessment is oftenly used during hand surgery, hand surgeons are in a rising risk of radiation exposure. In this study, the radiation exposure taken by the hand surgeon during the surgical procedure was prospectively investigated. Material and Methods: Two dosimeter badges were used in thirty-seven consecutive operations in which either x-ray or fluoroscopy was used at three months time period. The surgeon wore a universal film badge on the collar and a gassterilized universal film badge dosimeter which was placed near the dominant hand all through the operation. The type and quantity of the surgical procedures, fluoroscopy or x-ray usage and time consumed during exposure were recorded. Dosimeter badges were measured at monthly intervals. Results: At the end of the study the total exposure counted by the badge on the collar was 11 mrem whereas the exposure counted by the badge nearby the surgeons hand was 19 mrems. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the measured intraoperative radiation exposure to the hand surgeon were well below the recommendations of the European Committee on Radiation Protection for maximal permissible dose which is 5000 mrem/year. On the other hand, studies concerning the influence of low-dose in long period radiation exposure has to be done. In addition, appropriate shielding precautions should continue to lower the harmful effects.

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