Prospective analysis of intraoperative radiation dose in foot and ankle surgery using mini-C-arm fluoroscopy. Continuous series of 1064 procedures

INTRODUCTION: Foot and ankle surgeons make daily use of mini-C-arm fluoroscopes. The present study aimed to quantify associated radiation doses. HYPOTHESIS: X-ray exposure for foot and ankle surgeons using a mini-C-arm fluoroscope is below the nuclear safety authority authorized doses of 20 mSv/year for the whole body and crystalline lens, 150 mSv/year for the thyroid and 500 mSv/year for the skin and limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center, single-surgeon prospective series was treated between February 2014 and December 2017. Doses emitted by the mini-C-arm (15cm field) were recorded during 1,064 operations. Doses received by the surgeon were recorded by 3 passive dosimeters (thorax, eyes and hands) and 1 active dosimeter. The significance threshold was set at