The reuse of orthopaedic devices in trauma care

Orthopaedic surgery relies on specialized devices to ensure effective management of musculoskeletal conditions, but escalating costs have compromised care. This has prompted patients and providers worldwide to explore alternative approaches such as reuse of devices. The benefits of reuse include economic savings, improvement in the availability of resources, and environmental conservation. There are, however, risks associated with reuse including concerns regarding mechanical integrity and sterilization. The medicolegal landscape surrounding reuse further complicates the establishment of recycling programs. Based on the literature, the reuse of external surgical devices, such as clamps and rods of external fixators, have improved access to musculoskeletal care and reduced health care expenditures without compromising outcomes. As such, these devices can be safely reused on a limited basis and with close monitoring. Although reused implantable devices may maintain some degree of mechanical integrity, the consistency of this stability and the appropriate sterilization of these products are currently unknown. Thus, the safety of implantable devices cannot be guaranteed at this time, and further research is needed. Providers interested in reuse must be aware of their national and local policies. In areas that lack formal legislation on device reuse, countries should focus on establishing national policies and laws that are tailored to their specific central processing capabilities and regulatory capacity. Alternative approaches to reuse that are able to achieve similar benefits without the risk should also be sought to improve access to care.

Level V.