title: 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.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta. rmahabir@swmail.sw.org
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Mahabir
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: DeCroff
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thurgood
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Harrop