ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the maximal dose area product (DAP) of radiation received by women during hip arthroscopy; we used computer modeling to determine the theoretical risk to a fetus. METHODS: We studied 116 female patients of childbearing age who underwent hip arthroscopy. We retrospectively collected data from the procedure, hip pathologic process, and dose of irradiation in milligray. We calculated the theoretical dose of radiation to the fetus and the risk of childhood hereditary disease and cancer. RESULTS: Labral tear (52%) was the most common indication for hip arthroscopy, with labral resection the most common procedure undertaken. The maximal DAP to the patient was 9.52 mGy, and the maximal DAP was estimated to be 2.99 mGy to the fetus. The risk of hereditary disease and childhood cancer for the fetus was calculated to be 1 in 14,000 and 1 in 11,000, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy used in hip arthroscopy generates a maximal theoretical dose of 2.99 mGy to the fetus, which places the procedure in the low-risk category. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.