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

摘要

Mini C-arrn units are compact, mobile, fluoro scopic imaging systems designed for real-time imaging of the extremi-ties. 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 con-secutive 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, proce dure time and total operating room time were recorded. RESULTS: Before the introduction of the mini C-arm, the percuta-neous 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 aver-age 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 proce-dure time for metacarpal fractures treated in the minor surgery area.