While larger, more stationary C-arms can clutter the operating room and confine both the patient and staff, mini C-arms create a more fluid operating environment and better subsequent patient outcomes. In particular, when it comes to smaller scale cases involving the foot, ankle, hand or wrist, the precision and image quality of a mini C-arm is essential. In these situations, there’s very little margin for error and accurate alignment is crucial.

In my experience, I’ve found this technology to be particularly useful when I am doing either a calcaneal fracture or a flatfoot reconstruction. Traditionally, these cases are done with a full-size C-arm and are run by a technician in the room. With the new Hologic mini C-arm, I am able to get the difficult axial and hindfoot views that are required without needing assistance or the full-scale C-arm. Not only are my rooms less crowded, but these cases are now more efficient, use less radiation and take less time to perform.


As a clinician, my priority is to capture a clear image covering a large field of view, quickly and easily, without having to take numerous X-rays or use excessive radiation. The last thing I want to be doing during an operation is questioning the accuracy of the images I’m taking or worrying that I’m wasting time in the OR with a patient under anesthesia.

Today’s mini C-arm systems equipped with modern HD interfaces provide more detail, while the superior range of motion allows for better images from a variety of angles, thereby improving accuracy and results. With these enhancements, I trust the images and alignment I see during procedures, making positive patient outcomes more easily achievable and reproducible. With up-to-date mini C-arm systems, I can do my job efficiently and effectively and walk out of each procedure with confidence and certainty.

Michael L. Sganga, D.P.M., is a podiatric surgeon with Orthopedics New England and is qualified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery

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