Effect of C Arm Year Model on Radiation Scatter

Abstract

Since the 1980’s Carm fluoroscopy has been an integral part of orthopaedic trauma surgery. The advancement in Carm technology has resulted in different generations of Carms coexisting in the operating rooms. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiation scatter patterns of different generation Carms. Three generation of Carms were tested: GE OEC 9800 Plus (1999/2000), Siemens Arcadis Orbic 3D (2004), Philips BV Pulsera 2.3 (2008). Radiation scatter was measured using six realtime dosimetry badges set up on either side of the surgical table (Mizuho OSI, flattop). Distance of Carm was normalized at 20 in. and 10 in. from Image Intensifier. Each device was set to the automatic brightness control (ABC) setting. A phantom limb was irradiated for 120 s and radiation scatter was summed for both AP and lateral positions. At their typical operating room settings there was a reduction in radiation scatter using the newer generation Carms. Results for total radiation, normalized to Philips, are as follows: Philips 1 (100%), GE 2.4 (240%), and Siemens 1.4 (140%). Newer generation Carms can be expected to generate lower radiation scatter. Special care should be taken to attempt a lower dose setting, especially when utilizing older generation Carms to minimize radiation scatter to practitioner.