Techniques to Minimize Intraoperative Radiation Exposure

The use of fluoroscopic visualization during spinal procedures may subject both the patient and the surgical team to considerable amounts of X-rays. A number of factors are known to influence the radiation doses administered to these individuals, many of which are related to the specific settings of the C-arm such as beam energy, collimation, and tube current, whereas others involve external variables including proper positioning of the image intensifier, protective shielding, and the implementation of appropriate monitoring protocols. By incorporating these safety measures, it may be possible to achieve significant reductions in the exposures of the patient and surgeon alike.