Which exposure is most likely to result in the largest dose to male gonads?

In this scenario, the cross-table hip exposure is most likely to result in the largest dose to male gonads primarily due to the positioning and the nature of the imaging technique used. The cross-table hip view typically involves the use of a large field of radiation that can indirectly expose the gonads, especially since the radiation beam is aligned horizontally to the body.

When conducting this type of imaging, if the male patient is positioned on his back (supine) with the x-ray beam directed laterally, there is a higher probability that the gonads could receive scattered radiation. This is because the cross-table approach does not place any shielding over the gonads, unlike some other techniques that might employ additional protective measures to minimize exposure in sensitive areas.

In contrast, other imaging options like an AP hip exposure, pelvic ultrasound, and CT of the abdomen may have different exposure characteristics, positioning, and shielding practices. For instance, the AP hip exposure will also involve some gonadal exposure, but it is generally more directed toward the hip joint itself rather than the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves instead of ionizing radiation, thus posing no radiation dose to the gonads. CT of the abdomen might lead to a significant exposure as well, but the