The Orthopaedic Instrumentation Nomenclature Know-how (OINK) study

Orthopaedic surgery is a diverse field requiring a wide array of surgical instruments. Many instruments are known by several names. Multiple terms for instruments can result in communication issues and equipment related theatre delays, while posing difficulty for surgeons-in-training and theatre staff. No consensus has yet been reached on the preferred name for several surgical instruments.

An online assessment tool was distributed to orthopaedic team members in several metropolitan and regional hospitals in Victoria, Australia. This assessment consisted of 14 multiple choice questions displaying images of various surgical instruments. Respondents were asked to select the most appropriate instrument name. Responses were collated and results analysed using means analysis.

A total of 136 responses were collated from orthopaedic, medical and non-healthcare trained respondents. A mallet, osteotome, nail, wire, rasp, nibbler, prosthesis, and orthosis all reached consensus definitions by orthopaedic respondents. Several instruments still lack clarity surrounding their accepted definition. Orthopaedic opinion frequently differs to that of other medical specialties.

Consensus definitions for several orthopaedic surgical instruments have been achieved. However, for some surgical instruments such consensus definitions do not yet exist. Orthopaedic nomenclature often differs from that used in other specialties. Standardisation of instrument terminology will prove challenging, but has potential benefits such as improving efficiency in theatre, enhancing patient safety through improved communication and allowing greater clarity when sharing surgical techniques with colleagues.