Closed reduction internal fixation rates and procedure times for metacarpal fractures treated in a minor surgery area before and after the introduction of a mini C-arm unit

• Published in: Canadian journal of plastic surgery Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 162 - 164
• Main Authors: Mahabir, R C, DeCroff, C M, Thurgood, L, Harrop, A R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC 2008; Pulsus Group Inc
• Subjects: Fractures; Hand surgery; Medical imaging; Original; Time; Fixation, Hand; Mini C-arm; Percutaneous rate; Reduction; Operative time
• ISSN: 1195-2199; 2292-5503; 2292-5511
• DOI: 10.1177/229255030801600304

Mini C-arm units are compact, mobile, fluoroscopic imaging systems designed for real-time imaging of the extremities. They deliver the lowest possible radiation exposure to the patient and physician while minimizing operator effort and inconvenience. A retrospective chart review was undertaken for consecutive metacarpal fractures requiring internal fixation treated in the minor surgery centre before (n=100) and after (n=100) the introduction of the mini C-arm. Open versus closed approach, procedure time and total operating room time were recorded. Before the introduction of the mini C-arm, the percutaneous rate was 48% and the average procedure and total operating room times were 55 min and 102 min, respectively. After mini C-arm implementation, the percutaneous rate increased to 59% and the average procedure and total times were 36 min and 78 min, respectively. The use of a mini C-arm increased the rate of successful closed reduction internal fixation and reduced the procedure time for metacarpal fractures treated in the minor surgery area.