Radiation exposure from cervical spine radiographs

Radiation exposure to hospital personnel during 41 cervical spine radio-graphs of 30 multiply injured patients was prospectively evaluated. A digital dosimeter was attached to the exposed torso of personnel applying upper extremity traction or managing the airway. Radiation exposure was measured during each radiograph. Any exposure of one or more milliroentgen was detectable. No radiograph resulted in a measurable radiation exposure. Multiple radiographs (up to five exposures) also did not register even the minimum recordable exposure, demonstrating that exposure is less than 1.0 mR per radiograph (P < .05). We conclude that hospital personnel, even those applying traction or managing the airway, are not at risk of significant radiation exposure at the time of cervical spine radiographs.