About the Mini C‑Arm History Project
Educational & Historic Preservation Archive
NASA has closed its largest research library at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, effective January 2026. Officials will discard thousands of un-digitized books, technical reports, and historic documents.
Since the Government decided to close the NASA Library, several scientists and engineers wanted to preserve items they worked on that were included in the NASA Library and slated for disposal. The following individuals were instrumental in developing the low-intensity x-ray imaging technology (LIXI):
Lo I. Yin, Ph.D.
Astrophysicist, NASA Goddard
Jacob I. Trombka, Ph.D.
Astrophysicist & Nuclear Scientist, NASA Goddard
Arthur P. Ruitberg
Senior Design Electrical Engineer, NASA Goddard
Stephan M. Selzer
Nuclear Physicist, National Bureau of Standards
This website preserves the documentation showing that, through the NASA technology transfer program, these individuals were the basis for the invention of the Mini C-arm by Larry Grossman (former CEO of HealthMate, Inc.).
MiniCArmHistory.org was established to document the development and impact of one of the most significant innovations in orthopedic imaging: the Mini C‑Arm. The site serves as a centralized archive of the technology’s origins, engineering evolution, and influence on clinical practice.
The Mini C‑Arm emerged in the early 1980s, during a period when compact fluoroscopy was not yet considered feasible. Initial concepts focused on creating a smaller, safer, and more user‑friendly approach to real‑time imaging. These efforts ultimately led to the formation of a new category within medical imaging and contributed to the growth of a global industry. Several companies played key roles in advancing the technology, including Fluoroscan Imaging Systems, HealthMate, and Orthoscan.
The purpose of this archive is to provide an accurate and accessible record of how the Mini C‑Arm came into existence. The collection includes information on early prototypes, engineering challenges, regulatory milestones, clinical applications, and the individuals and organizations involved in its development. Much of this history has not previously been assembled in a single resource.
What You’ll Find on This Site
- Origin accounts detailing the earliest stages of development
- Historical archives, including media coverage and technical documentation
- Technical explanations of Mini C‑Arm imaging principles
- Industry analysis tracing the evolution of the field
- Firsthand reflections from contributors involved in medical imaging over multiple decades
This archive aims to provide context for the Mini C‑Arm’s continuing role in orthopedic care and its ongoing influence on imaging technologies. It is intended as a resource for clinicians, engineers, students, and anyone interested in the history of medical innovation.
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What This Project Covers
Historical Documentation
A detailed record of how the Mini C‑Arm was invented, developed, and brought to market.
Technical Insights
Clear explanations of the engineering, physics, and clinical principles behind Mini C‑Arm imaging.
Industry Perspective
Commentary on how the Mini C‑Arm shaped orthopedic imaging and where the field is heading.