Radiation dose in vertebroplasty

We wished to measure the absorbed radiation dose during fluoroscopically controlled vertebroplasty and to assess the possibility of deterministic radiation effects to the operator. The dose was measured in 11consecutive procedures using thermoluminescent ring dosimeters on the hand of the operator and electronic dosimeters inside and outside of the operator's lead apron. We found doses of 0.022-3.256mGy outside and 0.01-0.47mGy inside the lead apron. Doses on the hand were higher, 0.5-8.5mGy. This preliminary study indicates greater exposure to the operator's hands than expected from traditional apron measurement