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Feel and setup
I know if a tool is going to suit my needs based on how it feels in my
hand — the weight, the balance and the tactility. The narrower the tool
and more rounded the curvature of the grip, the better off I'll be. A joint replace-
ment takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete, and on a busy day surgeons
might do 5 or 6 cases, so fatigue will be an issue if the tool's grip isn't ergonom-
ic. The same goes for noise and vibration, which can be issues, especially with
pneumatic power tools. If the tool is too heavy, poorly balanced or too loud, it's
going to make a long case seem even longer.
Also, when testing out a new tool, consider the ease of toggling between for-
ward and reverse. In the best-case scenario, surgeons can switch between the
settings with a simple button push, but some tools require you to remove your
hand completely to adjust the setting. This may not sound like a big deal, but
