O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 7 5
4
Practice proper positioning
The farther you stand away from the C-arm's X-ray tube, the lower your
exposure to radiation. To reduce scatter, position the image intensifier
as close as possible to the patient. Doing so will also increase the field of view
captured in the image. Also, stand opposite the X-ray tube when the C-arm is
placed in the lateral position. When possible, capture anterior-posterior images
instead of lateral images, which require higher radiation doses.
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Understand the risks
Surgeons and staff who understand the risks of exposure are more like-
ly to commit to safer C-arm practices. For example, orthopedic sur-
geons have an increased incidence of cancer, compared with non-exposed
workers, and chronic radiation can cause cataracts to form. Inform your surgi-
cal team about the consequences of careless imaging practices and work with
them to implement a C-arm safety program that will preserve their careers and
long-term health.
OSM
Dr. Yoon (yoonrich@gmail.com) is the director
of orthopedic research and an attending orthopedic
trauma surgeon with RWJBarnabas Health at the
Jersey City (N.J.) Medical Center.
