Quick answer: The Orthoscan TAU 1515 carries a 15 by 15 cm square flat panel detector, giving noticeably wider coverage than a standard mini C-Arm without stepping up to a full-size system. The square field suits foot and ankle anatomy particularly well. Refurbished TAU 1515 systems typically run $25,000 to $40,000.
Orthoscan TAU 1515 Mini C-Arm Overview
The TAU series exists because standard mini C-Arms sometimes run out of field. A 4 to 6 inch round field covers a hand or a wrist comfortably, but a foot in a fixation case, or a forearm with hardware running its length, can push past it. The TAU 1515 gives you 15 by 15 cm of square coverage instead.
Square matters as much as size here. A round intensifier field wastes its corners, so the usable anatomy is smaller than the diagonal suggests. A square flat panel uses the whole frame, which in practice means fewer repositioning steps and fewer exposures per case.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Detector type | Flat panel detector |
| Detector size | 15 x 15 cm square field |
| Field shape | Square, distortion-free edge to edge |
| Anatomy | Foot, ankle, forearm, wrist and hand |
| Configuration | Suited to both procedure room and OR use |
| Image storage | DICOM compatible |
| Typical refurbished price | $25,000 – $40,000 |
Who the TAU 1515 Is For
Foot and ankle surgeons are the clearest fit. The square field maps well onto foot anatomy, and the extra coverage means a full fixation construct often fits in a single view rather than two.
Orthopedic surgery centres running mixed extremity work also favour the TAU series, because it covers the larger extremities that push a standard mini past its limit while keeping mini C-Arm dose and footprint. If your work is confined to hands and wrists, a standard Orthoscan FD is sufficient and costs less.
Orthoscan TAU Series Compared
| Model | Detector size | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| TAU 1512 | 15 x 12 cm | Wider coverage than standard, compact form |
| TAU 1515 | 15 x 15 cm | Square field, strong for foot and ankle surgical work |
| TAU 2020 | 20 x 20 cm | Largest mini field, bridges toward small full-size coverage |
Refurbishment and Support
Every Orthoscan TAU system we sell is inspected, refurbished, calibrated and phantom tested at our Orlando facility. We assess the flat panel detector specifically and report its estimated remaining life before you commit, since on any flat panel system the detector is what determines your genuine ownership horizon.
We support you from site planning through shipping, installation and technical servicing. Warranties and financing are available on every system we sell. Keep your costs down and imaging capabilities high with Amber Diagnostics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the TAU 1515 different from a standard Orthoscan FD?
Detector size. The standard FD covers hands and wrists comfortably; the TAU 1515 gives you a 15 by 15 cm square field that also handles feet, ankles and forearms without repositioning. If your case mix is mostly hand and wrist, the standard FD is the better value. If you do foot and ankle surgery, the TAU 1515 pays for itself in workflow.
Can a mini C-Arm replace a full-size system for extremity surgery?
For extremity work specifically, yes, and it does so at a fraction of the dose and cost. What a mini cannot do is image a spine, abdomen or pelvis, because it lacks the penetration power. Most orthopedic surgery centres end up owning both and using each for what it is good at.
Does the larger detector mean more radiation?
Not proportionally. A larger field covers more anatomy per exposure, which often means fewer total exposures across a case. Mini C-Arms including the TAU series deliver substantially lower dose than full-size systems regardless of detector size, which is a core reason they are used in office settings.
Request Pricing on a Refurbished TAU 1515
Tell us your procedure mix, your budget and your room, and we will tell you honestly whether the TAU 1515 is the right fit. Call +1 888-561-7900 or 407-438-7847.