Influence of the simultaneous calibration of multiple ring dosimeters on the individual absorbed dose.

Ring dosimeters for personal dosimetry are calibrated in accredited laboratories following ISO 4037-3 guidelines. The simultaneous irradiation of multiple dosimeters would save time, but has to be carefully studied, since the scattering conditions could change and influence the absorbed dose in nearby dosimeters. Monte Carlo simulations using PENELOPE-2014 were performed to explore the need to increase the uncertainty ofHp0.07in the simultaneous irradiation of three and five DXT-RAD 707H-2 (Thermo Scientific) ring dosimeters with beam qualities: N-30, N-80 and N-300. Results show that the absorbed dose in each dosimeter is compatible with each of the others and with the reference simulation (a single dosimeter), with a coverage probability of 95% (k= 2). Comparison with experimental data yielded consistent results with the same coverage probability. Therefore, five ring dosimeters can be simultaneously irradiated with beam qualities ranging, at least, between N-30 and N-300 with a negligible impact on the uncertainty ofHp0.07.

Correlation between eye lens doses and over apron doses in interventional procedures.

Measurements of eye lens dose using over apron dosimeters with a geometric correction factor is an international accepted practice. However, further knowledge regarding geometric correction factors in different contexts is required. The authors studied the correlation between eye lens dose and over apron dosimetry for different medical specialties in eleven hospitals, using a standardized protocol, two independent over apron dosimeters (worn at chest and at neck levels) and a dedicated calibration procedure. The results show good correlation between subjects working on the same medical specialty for 5 specialties: Interventional Radiology, Vascular Surgery, Vascular Radiology, Hemodynamics and Neuroradiology. The geometric correction factors resulting from this study could be used to estimate eye lens dose using over apron dosimeters, which are more comfortable than eye lens dosimeters, as reported by the study subjects, as long as the increased uncertainty of the over apron dosimetry compared to the dedicated eye lens dosimetry is acceptable.

Fracturas periprotésicas de fémur sobre prótesis de cadera y rodilla. Análisis de una serie de 34 casos y revisión de las series españolas en los últimos 20 años / Peri-prosthetic femoral fractures of hip or knee arthroplasty. Analysis of 34 cases and a review of Spanish series in the last 20 years

Objetivo. Evaluar las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur analizando las características de los pacientes, el tipo de tratamiento y los resultados, y compararlas con las series españolas publicadas en los últimos 20 años. Material y método. Evaluación retrospectiva de las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur atendidas en nuestro centro entre 2010 y 2014. Revisión de las historias clínicas y encuesta telefónica sobre la situación actual. Resultados. Hemos analizado 34 fracturas periprotésicas de fémur, 20 sobre prótesis de cadera y 14 sobre prótesis de rodilla. La edad media fue 79,9 años. El 91% tenían comorbilidad previa y hasta un 36% tenían al menos 3 enfermedades sistémicas previas. La estancia hospitalaria media fue 8,7 días, mayor en los casos tratados quirúrgicamente. Hasta el 60,6% de los pacientes presentaron complicaciones y la tasa de mortalidad ha sido del 18%. El 61,5% de los pacientes no recuperaron el estado funcional previo a la fractura, con mayor dolor en los pacientes con artroplastia de cadera. Discusión. Las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur son cada vez más frecuentes, porque cada vez se realizan más artroplastias y en pacientes más mayores. El tratamiento es complejo, porque a la propia dificultad de la fractura se añade la presencia de un implante previo, la baja calidad ósea y la comorbilidad. Conclusiones. Las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur suponen una merma en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Requieren un tratamiento individualizado. La tasa de complicaciones y de mortalidad es muy elevada (AU)

Purpose.To evaluate peri-prosthetic femoral fractures by analysing type of patient, treatment and outcomes, and to compare them with Spanish series published in the last 20 years. Material and methods.A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with peri-prosthetic femoral fractures treated in our hospital from 2010 to 2014, and telephone survey on the current status. Results. A total of 34 peri-prosthetic femoral fractures were analysed, 20 in hip arthroplasty and 14 in knee arthroplasty. The mean age of the patients was 79.9 years, and 91% had previous comorbidity, with up to 36% having at least 3 prior systemic diseases. Mean hospital stay was 8.7 days, and was higher in surgically-treated than in conservative-treated patients. The majority (60.6%) of patients had complications, and mortality was 18%. Functional status was not regained in 61.5% of patients, and pain was higher in hip than in knee arthroplasty. Discussion. Peri-prosthetic femoral fractures are increasing in frequency. This is due to the increasing number of arthroplasties performed and also to the increasing age of these patients. Treatment of these fractures is complex because of the presence of an arthroplasty component, low bone quality, and comorbidity of the patients. Conclusion. Peri-prosthetic femoral fractures impair quality of life. They need individualised treatment, and have frequent complications and mortality (AU)

Peri-prosthetic femoral fractures of hip or knee arthroplasty. Analysis of 34 cases and a review of Spanish series in the last 20 years. / Fracturas periprotésicas de fémur sobre prótesis de cadera y rodilla. Análisis de una serie de 34 casos y revisión de las series españolas en los últimos 20 años.

PURPOSE: To evaluate peri-prosthetic femoral fractures by analysing type of patient, treatment and outcomes, and to compare them with Spanish series published in the last 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with peri-prosthetic femoral fractures treated in our hospital from 2010 to 2014, and telephone survey on the current status. RESULTS: A total of 34 peri-prosthetic femoral fractures were analysed, 20 in hip arthroplasty and 14 in knee arthroplasty. The mean age of the patients was 79.9 years, and 91% had previous comorbidity, with up to 36% having at least 3 prior systemic diseases. Mean hospital stay was 8.7 days, and was higher in surgically-treated than in conservative-treated patients. The majority (60.6%) of patients had complications, and mortality was 18%. Functional status was not regained in 61.5% of patients, and pain was higher in hip than in knee arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: Peri-prosthetic femoral fractures are increasing in frequency. This is due to the increasing number of arthroplasties performed and also to the increasing age of these patients. Treatment of these fractures is complex because of the presence of an arthroplasty component, low bone quality, and comorbidity of the patients. CONCLUSION: Peri-prosthetic femoral fractures impair quality of life. They need individualised treatment, and have frequent complications and mortality.