The Effect of Metal Instrumentation on Patient and Surgical Team Scatter Radiation Exposure Using Mini C-Arm in a Simulated Forearm Fracture Fixation Model.

Introduction: To our knowledge, no studies have studied the effect of metal instrumentation (MI) in the field of fluoroscopy regarding changes in the intensity, direction of scatter, and degree of radiation exposure to the patient and surgical team. The goal of this study was to determine whether the presence of MI increases scatter radiation exposure to the patient and surgical team when using a mini C-arm in the horizontal and vertical positions.

Methods: Four trials were conducted using a lamb limb specimen and a mini C-arm to simulate a forearm/wrist fracture fixation scenario.