The compliance with radiation protection and knowledge about radiation exposure among the orthopedic operating room personnel in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: There is a rapid advancement in surgical techniques requiring real-time visualization and intraoperative X-ray utilization, leading to a higher radiation exposure among operating room (OR) staff. Taking preventive measures and reducing the unnecessary radiation exposure for the patient and the OR staff is essential. The study aimed to assess the compliance with using radiation protection equipment, as well as assessing the level of knowledge about radiation exposure among the orthopedic OR staff. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia. A 19-Item questionnaire that was developed and validated by Jentzsch et al. was sent to the emails of all the registered members of the Saudi Orthopedic Association, orthopedic physicians, OR nurses, and radiology technicians were included in the study. A Correlation procedure was performed to determine the relationship between knowledge and compliance scores. Results: We recruited 242 orthopedic OR personnel, 110 (45.5%) showed good knowledge and 120 (49.5%) showed good compliance. Lead apron was the most commonly used equipment, lead goggles use was the least. Females, radiology technicians, and sports and/or arthroplasty surgeons showed better compliance scores. Conclusion: The study reveals inadequate knowledge and compliance among OR staff regarding radiation protection. Therefore, we recommend providing training programs to minimize radiation hazards.