Radiation exposure during dynamic hip screw operation.

Exposure to radiation by surgeon and patient was measured in ten cases during insertion of a dynamic hip screw, using image intensified screening. There were low levels of irradiation of the thyroid and eyes of the surgeon. However, the dominant hand of the surgeon was often exposed to higher levels. The use of a memory during screening significantly reduced the level of radiation measured (P less than 0.05). Recommendations are made for reducing radiation exposure by the surgeon, and a method is described to measure the irradiation of surgeons' hands.