Introduction: Diagnostic reference levels (DRL) are values of ionising radiation doses for diagnostic radiological procedures for which is expected not to be exceeded if the procedure is optimized. Diagnostic reference levels are defined as the third quartile value of the representative sample mean dose distribution. In fluoroscopy two DRL quantities are recommended; dose area product (PKA) and reference air kerma (Ka,r). Purpose: Setting the diagnostic reference levels for chosen trauma surgical procedures and comparison with equivalent procedures found in references as well as comparison between two different fluoroscopy technologies (image intensifier and flat panel detector). Methods: For the research a descriptive and retrospective study was used. For each procedure respectively following data was gathered: patient age, patient weight, dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time. Patients weighing in range from 60 to 90 kg were included in the research. Data was gathered using the Philips Veradius machine with flat panel technology and the Siemens Orbic machine with image intensifier technology. Results: DRL for dynamic hip screw was set at 1,07 Gycm2, for proximal femoral nail at 0,74 Gycm2, for proximal humeral nail at 0,35 Gycm2. For partial endoprothesis when using flat panel technology DRL was set at 0,17 Gycm2 and at 0,31 Gycm2 when the image intensifier technology was used. For percutaneous posterior spine fixation performed with flat panel technology DRL was set at 1,59 Gycm2 and at 5,27 Gycm2 with image intensifier technology. Discussion: Comparing the results of our research with those found in references shows lower DRLs in our institution. The results evidently show that patient exposure is lower when procedures are performed with flat panel technology in comparison to procedures performed with image intensifier technology. Conclusion: Considering the gathered data a good practice in diagnostic radiology for our institution can be confirmed.
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