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Reprocessed arthroscopic shavers: evaluation of sharpness and function in a cadaver model.
Orthopedics
|April 2, 2014
Summary
Reprocessed arthroscopic shavers are functionally equivalent to new ones. Surgeons could not reliably distinguish between new and reprocessed shavers, and sharpness tests confirmed comparable performance.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Device Reprocessing
Background:
- Arthroscopic shaver reprocessing is a cost-saving measure.
- Concerns exist regarding the functional performance of reprocessed surgical instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional performance of reprocessed arthroscopic shavers compared to new ones.
- To assess surgeons' ability to differentiate between new and reprocessed arthroscopic shavers.
Main Methods:
- Experienced surgeons performed arthroscopic procedures on cadaveric knees using both new and reprocessed shavers.
- Surgeons assessed shaver functionality and identified whether shavers were new or reprocessed.
- Engineering tests measured and compared the sharpness of new and reprocessed shaver blades.
Main Results:
- Surgeons' success rate in identifying reprocessed shavers was 42%, not statistically better than chance.
- Engineering sharpness testing showed equivalent sharpness between new and reprocessed shaver blades.
- Surgeons could not functionally distinguish reprocessed shavers from new ones.
Conclusions:
- Limited reprocessing of arthroscopic shavers is feasible.
- Reprocessed arthroscopic shavers demonstrate comparable functional performance and sharpness to new shavers.
- Current acceptance tests may not adequately differentiate reprocessed shavers based on surgeon perception.
