title: I can C clearly now the rail has gone!
abstract: Accurate intra-operative imaging is vital in orthopaedic pelvic surgery in order to achieve precise reduction of fractures and correct positioning of osteotomies. Radiological assessment is carried out, in most centres, using standard C-arm fluoroscopy. A limitation of this technique is that it is not always possible to obtain accurate images in all planes due to the presence of radiopaque materials on the operating table. One such example is the 45 degrees oblique view, which is frequently obscured by the presence of a metal rail on the operating table. We report on a practical solution; the development of a unique 360 degrees radiolucent table by placing a sheet of Perspex material between two standard operating tables, which allows for perfect radiological exposure of the pelvis in all planes.
authors.affiliation: Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland. bdevitt@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Brian M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Devitt
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: O'Byrne
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D009873:Operating Rooms; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery