title: The use of the mini C-arm in the outpatient setting: evolving practice.
abstract: The mini C-arm image intensifier (mini C-arm) has now become an established diagnostic tool in the hand surgery outpatient department. This study reviews the use of the mini C-arm and formal radiographs (X-rays) in the outpatient hand surgery setting. X-rays provide a standard image whereas the mini C-arm can obtain non-standard images to aid diagnosis and treatment. The mini C-arm enables the clinician to obtain dynamic images and perform interventions such as manipulations or injections. The mini C-arm results in a significantly lower radiation exposure for the patients than a formal X-ray. Use of the mini C-arm may be cheaper, and can lead to a shorter outpatient visit with less travel between hospital departments.
authors.affiliation: The Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, Derbyshire DE22 3NE, UK. mgswindells@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Swindells
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Arundell
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Quinton
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D010045:Outpatients; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*