The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation dose administered in orthopedic operative procedures and to determine whether all operation room personnel must use the lead protector.

From March 2001 to May 2001, sixty six orthopedic operations were done with fluoroscopic intensifier(Series 9600TM, OEC Medical Systems Inc.). The accumulative exposure doses of operator, 1st assist, scrub nurse, circulating nurse and anesthesiologist were assessed by TLD(Thermo luminescence dosimeter) and compared with the dose limit set by the KINS(Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety). The exposure times and doses were evaluated in each cases and analyzed according to the each procedure. The exposure doses were assessed by the distance (Om, 0.5m, 1m, 2m) from the fluoroscopic generator.

Accumulative exposure doses(3 months) were checked 1.37mSv in operator, 1.73mSv in 1st assist, 0.17mSv in scrub nurse, 1.01mSv in circulating nurse, 0.01mSv in anesthesiologists and all doses were lower than dose limit set by the KINS(12.5mSv). Low exposure was checked in procedure of hand, ankle, cervical spine but high exposure was checked in IM nailing of femur(one way Anova with postHoc test, p<0.05). The exposure doses were decreased with the distance and exposure dose out of 1m was minimal.

Radiation is higher in IM nailing procedure but the total accumulative doses were safe especially in personnel who can fall apart from the operation field more than lm. So, we conclude that the lead protector is not essential to the all operation room personnel.