Ionising radiation is a dangerous and potentially lethal modality yet its use is vital to surgical practice and patient care. It is necessary for the surgeon to understand the physical properties of ionising radiation and its effects on living tissue leading to the risk of induction of carcinogenesis and somatic effects such as cataract formation. These risks justify the statutory regulations that control its use, the need for protective equipment and garments and surgeons’ responsibility to minimise and monitor their radiation exposure together with that of patient and staff. These aspects are discussed in detail so that ionising radiation may be safely used in the workplace to the benefit of patient care with very minimal risk to surgeons and their staff.
☆ The table and figures are reproduced with kind permission of the Australian Orthopaedic Association from the booklet Radiation Safety for Orthopaedic Surgeons by George S, Dewey P, McGrath J and Beh H. The figures are adapted from Bontrager KT, Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 4th Ed.
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