Gonad shielding in pelvic radiography: modern optimised X-ray systems might allow its discontinuation.

Objective: As gonad shielding is currently under debate, this study evaluates the practice, from its introduction in about 1905 until today.

Methods: The literature was searched for developments in shielding and insights into the effects of ionising radiation on gonads. Based on own pre-1927 dose reconstructions, reported doses after 1927, a 2015-report from the European Union and recent own measurements, the effects of technological evolution and optimisation on radiation dose and hereditary risk were assessed.

The skin dose of pelvic radiographs since 1896.

Objectives: To derive conversions of antiquated exposure data into modern equivalents and to apply these in the assessment of the skin dose of pelvic radiographs since 1896.

Methods: The literature 1896-2018 was searched for implicit and explicit dose information. The early implicit dose data contained now obsolete descriptions of radiation quality and quantity for long since disappeared X-ray systems of limited efficiency.