Study objective: Recently, we have had clinical success detecting foreign bodies (FBs) using a mobile C-arm fluoroscopic device. This study tests its utility to detect FBs of differing densities in soft tissue.
Design: Blinded, randomized, controlled in vitro study.
Methods: Two physicians used the Xi-scan mini C-arm to image FBs. Five FBs of differing densities were studied: metal, gravel, glass, wood, and plastic. The FBs were placed into the deep muscles of chicken legs. One hundred observations were made: 50 legs with FBs and 50 legs without FBs. The blinded investigators imaged the legs and determined the presence or absence of FBs.
Results: Imaging located 100% of metal, gravel and glass FBs. Plastic and wood could not be consistently detected (sensitivity 0.4, specificity 0.6).
Conclusions: This device accurately detects metal, gravel and glass. Radiolucent (wood) and semiradiopaque (plastic) FBs could not be located reliably. Clinical trials would define utility of this device in saving time, money and radiation exposure.