Evaluation of the new C-arm guiding system ClearGuide® in an orthopaedic and trauma operating theatre.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate whether the new intraoperative C-arm guiding system ClearGuide® (CG) reduces radiation exposure of the staff in an Orthopaedic and Trauma operation theatre.

METHODS: Data of 95 patients CG was used were retrospectively compared using matched-pair analysis with controls without CG. Radiation dose (RD), fluoroscopic time (FT) and operation time (OT) were analysed in ten types of operative procedures.

RESULTS: Use of CG led to a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) of the RD in intramedullary nailing and plate fixation of femoral shaft fractures as well as plating of tibia shaft fractures. Concerning FT, use of CG led to a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) while performing kyphoplasties and plate fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Regarding OT, no statistical significance was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: CG as a simple, reproducible and intuitive communication tool for C-arm guidance reduces intraoperative staff radiation exposure especially while fixation of long bone fractures and in spine surgery.