Occupational radiation exposure indicated by increased chromosomal damage in lymphocytes of orthopaedic surgeons in Japan

This study aims to assess chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of orthopaedic surgeons in Japan, specifically focusing on potential occupational dose overexposure and its correlation with adverse health reactions. The main objective is to investigate the extent of chromosomal damage and evaluate the accuracy of estimating radiation dose with cytogenetic biodosimetry where no physical dosimetry exists. This study involved 18 male orthopaedic surgeons, with occupational experience spanning 15 to 33 years. Chromosome aberrations were analyzed in 32 573 and 45 674 cells with dicentric chromosome and translocation assays, respectively. Statistical tests were used to retrospectively estimate whole-body doses with chromosome damage and compare observed aberration frequencies with work experience, while considering factors such as adverse health effects and skin cancer history. Materials and methods included information on study design, participant criteria and the procedures performed, using a retrospective approach. Participants had a mean age of 46 ± 6.6 years. Analysis revealed an increase in dicentric abnormalities compared to background levels, and translocations were observed above spontaneous levels in all surgeons but one. Surgeons reporting adverse health effects or skin cancer exhibited the highest chromosome aberrations frequencies. The estimated average whole-body doses were 75 ± 24 and 321 ± 103 mGy for dicentrics and translocations, respectively. Some Japanese orthopaedic surgeons demonstrated increased chromosome aberrations, especially in those reporting adverse health effects. Estimating radiation dose solely based on chromosomal damage is challenging, emphasizing the complexities of biological dosimetry for prior, partial and repeated exposures.