I had some special X-rays taken that resulted in skin damage. The doctor called it dermal necrosis. Does this happen very often?

Fluoroscopy is in use more and more to guide orthopedic, cardiac, and other surgeries. With greater use, there have been an increased number of skin injuries reported.

Damage to the skin ranges from redness to ulceration. This adverse reaction is often delayed by hours to days and even years later. Necrosis or death of the skin and tissue underneath occur in up to half of all cases. The higher dose of radiation associated with fluoroscopy is the main reason for these injuries.

The areas of skin injury are easily traced to previous use of fluoroscopy by their location. Healing may be delayed months up to more than a year. This is because the radiation damages the tiny blood vessels to the skin. Infection is another possible problem.

Even with treatment, radiation ulcers can get worse and may come back after they are healed. Small amounts of trauma can provoke skin damage. Pay very close attention to skin care suggestions provided by your doctor.

Treat even the smallest problem right away. Practice careful skin protection of the area that was exposed to the radiation. With an increased incidence of this problem, stricter controls and prevention techniques are being used. These measures should help reduce this adverse effect of fluoroscopy.