Limb-lengthening procedures include a series of radiographic examinations to follow the lengthening process and callus formation.
We quantified ionizing radiation exposure during lengthening treatment and estimated the risks associated with this exposure
in 53 patients undergoing lengthening procedures. Field size and tube voltage of all radiographs and fluoroscopy time during
surgery were recorded. According to conversion factor tables of organ doses, the cumulative organ dose was estimated. Location
of lengthening, age, complications during lengthening procedure, range of lengthening, healing index, and other factors affecting
the duration of the lengthening procedures were analyzed. Average lengthening was 4.8 cm (range, 3.0–12.5 cm). The average
cumulative organ dose for a straight lengthening procedure was 3.1 mSv (range, 0.2–12.5 mSv). The average organ dose per centimeter
of lengthening was 0.7 mSv/cm (range, 0.03–5.9 mSv/cm). Doses for patients with tibial lengthening (0.3 mSv/cm) were less
than doses for patients with femoral lengthening (1.1 mSv/cm). Age, complications, range of lengthening, and healing index
did not influence the dosage of radiation per centimeter lengthening. We judge the average patient’s exposure during a limb-lengthening
procedure as tolerable, but femur lengthening results in a higher cumulative organ dose.
Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved or waived approval for the human protocol for this investigation
and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.