Measurement of radiation doses to the eye lens during orthopedic surgery using an C-arm X-ray system

The present study aimed to determine doses delivered to the eye lenses of surgeons while using the inverted-C-arm technique and the protective effect of leaded spectacles during orthopedic surgery. The kerma in air was measured at five positions on leaded glasses positioned near the eye lens and on the neck using small optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosemeters. The lens equivalent dose was also measured at the neck using an OSL dosemeter. The maximum equivalent dose to the eye lens and the maximum kerma were 0.8 mSv/month and 0.66 mGy/month, respectively. The leaded glasses reduced the exposure by ∼60%. Even if the surgeons are exposed to the maximum dose of X-ray radiation for 5 years, the equivalent doses to the eye lens will not exceed the present limit recommended by the ICRP. (authors)