• OrthoMay12
  • CME

  • Diagnostic Medical Imaging Radiation Exposure and Risk of Development of Solid and Hematologic Malignancy

    Earn CME Credit »
  • Author(s)/Faculty: Peter D. Fabricant, MD; Marschall B. Berkes, MD; Christopher J. Dy, MD, MSPH; Eric A. Bogner, MD
    Source: Orthopedics
    Type: Journal Articles/Items: 1
    Release Date: 5/1/2012 Expiration Date: 5/31/2013
    Credit Type: CME Number of Credit(s): 1
    Cost: $15 Provider: Vindico Medical Education

  • Limiting patients’ exposure to ionizing radiation during diagnostic imaging is of concern to patients and clinicians. Large single-dose exposures and cumulative exposures to ionizing radiation have been associated with solid tumors and hematologic malignancy. Although these associations have been a driving force in minimizing patients’ exposure, significant risks are found when diagnoses are missed and subsequent treatment is withheld. Therefore, based on epidemiologic data obtained after nuclear and occupational exposures, dose exposure limits have been estimated. A recent collaborative effort between the US Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiology has provided information and tools that patients and imaging professionals can use to avoid unnecessary ionizing radiation scans and ensure use of the lowest feasible radiation dose necessary for studies. Further collaboration, research, and development should focus on producing technological advances that minimize individual study exposures and duplicate studies. This article outlines the research used to govern safe radiation doses, defines recent initiatives in decreasing radiation exposure, and provides orthopedic surgeons with techniques that may help decrease radiation exposure in their daily practice.

Educational Objectives

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:

  1. Understand the research used to govern safe radiation exposure doses.
  2. Understand recent initiatives in decreasing radiation exposure.
  3. Review specific techniques that may help decrease radiation exposure in the daily practice of orthopedic surgery.
  4. Gain perspective on spectrum of doses of ionizing radiation from common imaging modalities.

This activity is approved for one year from the date of original release, May 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013.

CME Accreditation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Vindico Medical Education and Orthopedics. Vindico Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

Vindico Medical Education designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This CME activity is primarily targeted to orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, head and neck surgeons, trauma surgeons, physical medicine specialists, and rheumatologists. There is no specific background requirement for participants taking this activity.

How to Participate in this Activity and Obtain CME Credit

To participate in this CME activity, you must read the objectives and articles, review the presentations, complete the CME test, and complete and submit the registration form and evaluation. Give only one (1) correct answer for each question. A satisfactory score is defined as answering 80% of the questions correctly. Upon receipt of the completed materials, if a satisfactory score on the CME test is achieved, Vindico Medical Education will issue an AMA PRA Category 1™ Certificate within 4 to 6 weeks.

This CME activity is primarily targeted to orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, head and neck surgeons, trauma surgeons, physical medicine specialists, and rheumatologists. There is no specific background requirement for participants taking this activity.

Full Disclosure Policy

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education’s Standards for Commercial Support, all CME providers are required to disclose to the activity audience the relevant financial relationships of the planners, teachers, and authors involved in the development of CME content. An individual has a relevant financial relationship if he or she has a financial relationship in any amount occurring in the last 12 months with a commercial interest whose products or services are discussed in the CME activity content over which the individual has control.

Drs Fabricant, Berkes, Dy, and Bogner have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Dr Aboulafia, CME Editor, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Dr D’Ambrosia, Editor-in-Chief, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The staff of ORTHOPEDICS have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

The material presented in any Vindico Medical Education continuing education activity does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ORTHOPEDICS or Vindico Medical Education. Neither ORTHOPEDICS nor Vindico Medical Education nor the authors endorse or recommend any techniques, commercial products, or manufacturers. The authors may discuss the use of materials and/or products that have not yet been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. All readers and continuing education participants should verify all information before treating patients or using any product.

Unlabeled and Investigational Usage

The audience is advised that this continuing medical education activity may contain references to unlabeled uses of FDA-approved products or to products not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. The faculty members have been made aware of their obligation to disclose such usage.