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.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Mahabir
R C
RC
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta. rmahabir@swmail.sw.org
DeCroff
C M
CM
Thurgood
L
L
Harrop
A R
AR