X-ray Radiation Exposure in Children: Risks and Concerns

Question
Hi,

My 5 year old daughter broke her elbow a few months ago.  It was a very bad fracture and was not healing right.  They did probably 15 or more sets of x-rays in a few weeks time.  Each time they took 2 pictures.  Several times the lead apron slipped off her pelvic area (because she was screaming and moving from pain).  I am very concerned about the amount of radiation she got and what it could do to her female parts.  Should I be overly concerned about this?

Answer
Hi Michelle,
As a rule, xrays taken of an extremity shouldn't dose the pelvic area in any significant quantity. There are devices on xray machines that localize exposure to the part being x-rayed. They put on an apron as a matter of routine, not so much because of scatter of radiation. All in all, I wouldn't be concerned.