Single-Use Instruments, Cutting Blocks, and Trials Increase Efficiency in the Operating Room During Total Knee Arthroplasty

• Published in: The Journal of arthroplasty Vol. 28; no. 7; pp. 1135 - 1140
• Main Authors: Mont, Michael A., MD, McElroy, Mark J., MS, Johnson, Aaron J., MD, Pivec, Robert, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-08-2013
• Subjects: cutting block; efficiency; instruments; Orthopedics; single-use; time saving; total knee arthroplasty; trial; time saving; total knee arthroplasty; single-use; efficiency; instruments; cutting block; trial
• ISSN: 0883-5403; 1532-8406
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.02.020

Abstract The purpose of this prospective controlled trial was to determine if efficiency increases could be achieved in non-navigated and navigated total knee arthroplasties by replacing traditional saws, cutting blocks, and trials with specialized saws and single-use cutting blocks and trials. Various timing metrics during total knee arthroplasty, including operating room preparation times and specific intra-operative times, were measured in 400 procedures performed by eight different surgeons at 6 institutions. Efficiency increases were the result of statistically significant reductions in combined instrument setup and cleanup times as well as in adjusted surgical episode times in navigated total knee arthroplasties. Single-use instruments show promising benefits, but adequate patient follow-up is needed to confirm safety and efficacy before they can be widely adopted. Nevertheless, the authors believe that the use of single-use instruments, cutting guides, and trial implants for total knee arthroplasty will play an increasing role in improving operating room efficiency.