Procedure simplification: the role of single-use instruments in total knee arthroplasty

In orthopaedic surgery, surgical site contamination leading to periprosthetic infections is a major concern with important morbidity, financial and emotional burden. Single-use instruments developed for total knee arthroplasties are intended to simplify the surgical procedure, decrease the number of surgical trays that require sterilization and reprocessing, decrease the incidence of possible contamination through breaks in surgical wraps, and improve operating room efficiency. As the demand for total knee arthroplasty continues to rise, a greater burden on the healthcare system may be created. The use of single-use instruments, cutting guides, and trials will play an increasing role in total knee arthroplasty through improved operating room efficiency.