COPYRIGHT © 2005 BY THE JOURNAL OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY, INCORPORATED Radiation Exposure with Use of the Mini-C-Arm for Routine Orthopaedic Imaging Procedures

Background: The use of mobile fluoroscopic devices during orthopaedic procedures is associated with substantial concern with regard to the radiation exposure to surgeons and support staff. The perceived increased risks associ-ated with large c-arm devices have been well documented. However, no study to date has documented the relative ra-diation risk associated with the use of a mini-c-arm device. The purpose of the current study was to determine the amount of radiation received by the surgeon during the use of a mini-c-arm device and to compare this amount with documented measurements associated with the large c-arm device. Methods: With use of a radiation dosimeter, measurements were carried out with tissue-equivalent anthropomorphic phantoms to quantitatively determine exposure rates at various locations and distances from the mini-c-arm for two common upper and lower extremity procedures. Results: Regardless of position, distance, or relative duration of exposure, exposure rates resulting from the use of the mini-c-arm device were one to two orders of magnitude lower than those reported in the literature in association with the use of the large c-arm device. Conclusions: The mini-c-arm device should be utilized whenever feasible in order to eliminate many of the concerns associated with use of the large c-arm device, specifically those related to cumulative radiation hazards, positioning considerations, relative distance from the beam, and the need for protective shielding