Improving Intra-Operative Efficiency of Total Knee Arthroplasty with Patient-specific and Single-use Instrumentation

Abstract

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective orthopaedic surgery was suspended in many parts of the world, and patients may now face long waits for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Potential hospital financial constraints and restrictions on operating room use are likely to affect the number of weekly cases surgeons are able to perform. Efficiency in the operating room (OR) will therefore be paramount in the return to a more normal practice. Patient-specific (PSI) and single-use instrumentation (SUI) for TKA have been found to save time in the OR, both intra-operatively and between cases. The time saved by adopting this technology could offset those that are likely to be added to turnaround times due to COVID-19, to allow for deeper cleaning of the OR and rest following cleaning between cases. This article outlines a protocol for the use of PSI and SUI for elective TKA and explains the potential economic and clinical benefits of their uses. This protocol can be used in multiple hospital environments.