Radiation exposure during fixation of femoral trochanteric fractures.

Radiation exposure to the surgeon and patient was measured in 14 patients during internal fixation of trochanteric fractures of the femur. Dosimetry studies were also done to determine the directions of maximum scatter production. The results indicated that the standard lead apron suffices for adequate gonadal and bone marrow shielding but the surgeon is still exposed to significant radiation levels to the extremities and neck. Based on these findings some recommendations for reduction of radiation exposure to the surgeon are presented.