tool.
"High-speed power definitely makes tools accurate and easier to use,"
says Dr. Gough. "Torque is important to overcome friction when dig-
ging into bone." During hip replacements, for example, he has to
increase the torque on his reamer to overcome the reamer basket to
prevent it from sticking against the bone.
Saws with high-speed oscillation let surgeons cut through bone effi-
ciently and accurately and with very little physical exertion. It's help-
ful for surgeons to be able to toggle between the low speed and high
torque needed to drill or cut through large bones, and the high speed
and low torque best suited for smaller bones.
Meet the needs of surgeons who specialize in different procedures. A
single handpiece on which you can easily switch out drills, saws and
burrs adds to the versatility of a tool. "Surgeons like drills with quick
exchange options, so they can switch out bits and screw drivers effort-
lessly," says Dr. Keating.
Conduct a trial to give surgeons who specialize in different orthope-
dic procedures the opportunity to use the tools and provide their
feedback. Pay close attention to their thoughts on the accuracy and
precision the tools afford. Securing the best possible price is impor-
tant, but just as important is making sure your surgeons work with
tools that enable them to be confident and capable providers who
achieve excellent outcomes.
OSM
J U L Y 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 9 9