Quality of Mini C-Arm Imaging in Post-Reduction Evaluation of Distal Radius Fractures

Following closed reduction of distal radius fractures, formal radiographs are often obtained despite previous verification on fluoroscopy. A prospective collection of 60 consecutive distal radius fractures was obtained to compare the quality of the fluoroscopic images obtained from a mini C-arm versus formal radiographs. The images were reviewed by six orthopedic surgeons and one radiologist. The likelihood that further imaging was deemed necessary to guide treatment decisions was 1.9 times higher in the mini C-arm imaging cohort (95% CI: 1:34, 2.69). While mini C-arm remains a useful reduction aid, formal radiographs should still be obtained to document post-reduction alignment and to guide treatment decisions.