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. 2020 Feb 18;4(2):e20.00008.
doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-20-00008. eCollection 2020 Feb.

A Proposal for a Standardized Nomenclature of the C-arm Movements

D Alex Stroh  1 , Aubrey Ashie  1 , Paul Muccino  1 , Chelsea Bush  1 , Daniel Kaplan  1 , Thomas DiPasquale  1
Affiliations

A Proposal for a Standardized Nomenclature of the C-arm Movements

D Alex Stroh et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. .

Abstract

No formal didactic source exists concerning terminology for movement of the C-arm in the operating room (OR). Many terminologies exist, breeding confusion among OR staff. The objective of this study was to survey the existing C-arm movement terminologies among orthopaedic surgeons and radiologic technologists and propose a standardized nomenclature moving forward.

Methods: Forty-six orthopaedic surgeons and 70 radiologic technologists were surveyed. Pertinent product manuals and literature from PubMed were reviewed to find existing terms for the C-arm movement. A focus group of orthopaedic surgeons and radiologic technologists was formed and a standardized nomenclature of the C-arm terminology was developed using the Delphi method.

Results: The survey response rate was 71%. The mean percentage of agreement on terms to describe movement was 47% (range, 13% to 83%). Agreement on terms to describe direction was 46% (range, 23% to 73%), and multiple frames of reference were described. No consensus was found by searching the product manuals. Using the Delphi method, we arrived at a standardized nomenclature for the C-arm movement that is reproducible and familiar.

Discussion: A standardized terminology for the C-arm movement is described that will help fill a void in OR communication, combat confusion, and provide reproducible results during orthopaedic cases.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the following authors or any immediate family member has received anything of value from or has stock or stock options held in a commercial company or institution related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article: Dr. Stroh, Dr. Ashie, Dr. Muccino, Ms. Bush, Dr. Kaplan, and Dr. DiPasquale.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Figures illustrating the parts and coordinate axes of the C-arm: 1: arm lever; 2: wigwag lever; 3: slide lever; 4: tilt lever; 5: never lever; and 6: C lever.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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