The use of the mini C-arm in the outpatient setting: evolving practice.

The mini C-arm image intensifier (mini C-arm) has now become an established diagnostic tool in the hand surgery outpatient department. This study reviews the use of the mini C-arm and formal radiographs (X-rays) in the outpatient hand surgery setting. X-rays provide a standard image whereas the mini C-arm can obtain non-standard images to aid diagnosis and treatment. The mini C-arm enables the clinician to obtain dynamic images and perform interventions such as manipulations or injections. The mini C-arm results in a significantly lower radiation exposure for the patients than a formal X-ray. Use of the mini C-arm may be cheaper, and can lead to a shorter outpatient visit with less travel between hospital departments.