Evaluation of protective equipment for the reduction of radiation exposure to physicians performing fluoroscopically guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections: A randomized controlled trial

Background:Spine interventionists frequently employ fluoroscopy to guide injection procedures. The increase in fluoroscopically guided procedures in recent years has led to a growing concern about radiation exposure. A new method of covering the C-arm tube with a lead apron has been suggested to reduce radiation exposure. This study aimed to compare the radiation exposure when performing lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) using this new method to a control group.Methods:A total of 200 patients who underwent lumbar TFESIs by a single physician were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups, the new method group (group A) and the control group (group C), and the amount of radiation exposure was compared. The dosimetry badge locations were marked as outside of apron, inside of apron, outside of thyroid collar, inside of thyroid collar, ring, and glasses.Results:The cumulative dose equivalents of all the measurement sites were reduced in group A compared with group C, and the most reduced site was inside the thyroid collar.Conclusions:Covering the C-arm tube with a lead apron can be effective in reducing the cumulative radiation exposure when performing fluoroscopically guided TFESIs.