Orthopedics - Oleksa A.P. 2006

Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders
Radiation-Induced Bone Damage

Radioactive substances and their decay products are used in the radiography of metal castings, quality control of metal welds, in many other industrial sectors, and in medical facilities. Penetrating radiation poses a particularly harmful effect on the body when working with radioactive substances, as well as during the extraction and Processing of radioactive ores.

The impact of ionizing radiation is harmful both to The Human Body as a whole and to individual Organs and Tissues. Incidentally, these data are cited from the textbook by V. F. Tregubov, which was published before the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, and therefore they remain entirely reliable.

The severity of radiation injury depends on The amount of absorbed radiation energy. Bone tissue absorbs X-rays two to three times more than soft tissues, which is why bone injuries occur in relevant occupations. X-ray examinations reveal the following changes: bone rarefaction with The Development of a macroreticular Structure in the form of uniform or patchy Osteoporosis, accompanied by thinning of the compact bone substance and expansion of the Bone Marrow cavity; osteosclerosis of the compact substance in the metadiaphyses, alternating with areas of osteoporosis; bone atrophy with a reduction in their transverse dimensions and blurred outlines; remodeling of the Bone Structure resembling splitting of the dense bone substance; and degenerative-dystrophic Changes in the joints, such as deforming osteoarthrosis. Intense irradiation leads to the development of osteonecrosis complicated by pathological fractures.

As a primary preventive measure, systematic dosimetric monitoring of workplaces involving radioactive substances and nuclear power plants must be carried out, along with routine health screenings for professionals. Exceeding permissible radiation limits is strictly prohibited, and the mandatory use of personal protective equipment is required. When necessary, working conditions or even profession should be changed. Existing Bone and joint alterations are treated According to the standard guidelines adopted in orthopedics and traumatology.