Radiation Exposure to the Eye with Mini C-arm Use During Hand Surgery

Introduction:Fluoroscopic radiation exposure is a potential occupational health risk to the Hand Surgeon, given operator proximity and the relative lack of eye shielding. The association of eye radiation exposure and the early development of cataracts have been previously reported. Mini C-arm fluoroscopy is commonly utilized during routine Hand Surgery. At present, the amount of radiation exposure to the eye, associated with the routine use of mini C-arm fluoroscopy, is unknown, thus warranting further investigation. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that eye radiation exposure, sustained during routine mini C-arm use, does not exceed that of previously reported critical radiation dosages to the eye.