For a facility just starting with total joint cases, or a smaller surgical
center, patient-specific implants are a great option since they elimi-
nate the need to buy several trays of the heavy, expensive tools used
in arthroplasty. They also simplify instrument reprocessing, since the
items are disposable.
Keep in mind that some surgeons look unfavorably on the lack of
flexibility offered with these kits. Once surgeons open the knee, they
might need a different tool or implant, which could lead to a long,
tedious process of tracking down your vendor and getting the device
brought in. But if your surgeons are on board, and the price is compa-
rable to standard implants, these kits are a useful option.
OSM
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 5 9
Dr. Manner (pmanner@uw.edu) is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint
replacement and a professor of orthopedics and sports medicine at the University
of Washington in Seattle.
