Journal article
Efficiency Benefits of Live Fluoroscopy in Hand Clinics
The Iowa orthopaedic journal, Vol.42(2), pp.118-121
01/01/2022
PMCID: PMC9769344
PMID: 36601224
Appears in Diamond Open Access
Abstract
Background: Postoperative imaging protocols for common hand procedures typically consist of 2-3 plain radiographs at defined intervals dependent on the surgery. Radiographs typically verify reduction, hardware position, and/or evaluate for complications, but also generate costs and alterations in clinic flow. We hypothesize the use of mini-fluoroscopic images will provide comparable clinical data with less cost and improved clinic flow. The objectives of the study were to determine if clinic-based fluoroscopic imaging is feasible for post-operative hand patients and if fluoroscopic imaging results in improved clinic flow (less waiting and more time with provider) and theoretical cost savings using mini-fluoroscopy instead of traditional radiographs.
Methods: With institutional review board exemption, the prospective use of mini-fluoroscopic evaluation of post-operative hand surgery patients was compared to traditional radiographs using time-based cohort analysis. Patients who underwent percutaneous pinning of phalanges/metacarpals, ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) of phalanges/metacarpals or ORIF of distal radius fractures were included to evaluate common hand surgery patients. Each cohort consisted of a 3-month data collection period with prospective measures of clinic flow (wait times, appointment times, time with provider) and estimated cost compared between the groups.
Results: 24 patients met inclusion criteria for data analysis; 11 patients in the mini-fluoroscopy group and 13 patients in the traditional radiograph group. Appointments using mini-fluoroscopy were 24 minutes shorter (53 vs 77 minutes) from patient check-in to check out time. Check-in time to rooming was 10 minutes quicker (9 vs. 19 minutes) using mini-fluoroscopy. Traditional hand radiographs have a face-value of $734 per appointment/series for a total theoretical savings of $9540 (n=13).
Conclusion: The use of mini-fluoroscopy during orthopedic hand surgery post-operative visits provides a feasible, quick, cost effective way to evaluate patients postoperatively, ultimately, resulting in quicker patient appointments and greater time spent with providers. Level of Evidence: III.
Keywords: fluoroscopy; hand surgery; mini c-arm; radiograph.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Efficiency Benefits of Live Fluoroscopy in Hand Clinics
- Creators
- Kyle Kesler - University of IowaJoseph A. Buckwalter - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Iowa orthopaedic journal, Vol.42(2), pp.118-121
- Publisher
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, The University of Iowa; United States
- PMID
- 36601224
- PMCID
- PMC9769344
- ISSN
- 1541-5457
- eISSN
- 1555-1377
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/2022
- Academic Unit
- Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
- Record Identifier
- 9984354861102771
Metrics
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