Is it advantageous to collect all functions in one handpiece in surgical power tool systems?

Orthopedic surgical power tools were produced as separate handpieces for all functions when they first appeared on the market. For example, there were 3 different handpieces for drilling, reaming and cutting operations. (Drill handpiece, Reamer handpiece, Saw handpiece) All the handpieces being separate meant that they took up a lot of space in the operating room and storage. Later, modular systems were used and it was aimed to perform more operations with less handpiece. So, is it advantageous to collect all functions in one handpiece in surgical power tool systems?

How do the mechanisms of modular surgical power tool systems work?

There is only the motor and driver assembly in the handpiece. Additional gearbox or cutter mechanisms that enable drilling, reaming, wire – pin driving and cutting functions are included in the attachments.

The advantages created by this situation;

* Since the gearboxes are outside of the handpiece, they are washable.

* Saving in storage areas.

* Since the gearbox is outside during washing, the failure rates due to washing are reduced.

The disadvantages created by this situation;

* By design, the weight is concentrated on the front of the handpiece. The wrist health of the user is adversely affected in the long run as the center of gravity is not balanced.

* When the handpiece is broken, all functions become unusable.

* The vibration rate increases after a while due to the frequent replacement of the attachments. This firstly leads to cutting head failures. Subsequently, other mechanical failures begin to occur.

* Depending on the change in the vibration ratio of the single handpieces, a regular increase in the sound of the device can be observed.

What is the advantage of fixed handpiece surgical power tool systems ?

* For fixed handpieces; if there is trauma surgery and if the cutting handpiece is broken; operation can be performed. Or if there is knee arthroplasty surgery and the drill / reamer are broken; surgery can be continued with a saw handpiece.

* Vibration rate is constant in fixed handpieces and does not cause easy mechanical failure.

* In fixed handpieces, the sound is constant because the mechanics are fixed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of modular and fixed handpieces when their service life and technical service requirements are examined?

* Internal motors, which constitute the power of surgical motor systems, have a lifetime as much as the number of sterilization cycles. In cases where you do not need a saw handpiece in trauma operations, not subjecting the fixed handpiece to the sterilization process will automatically extend its useful life.

* Since the modular handpiece is exposed to a higher number of sterilizations than the fixed handpiece, the need for internal motor replacement will occur much sooner or more frequently. For internal motor replacement, the handpiece must be sent to the technical service. In this process, the user will have to stay away from the surgical power tool system.

In both systems, there are areas that provide convenience, as well as challenging situations. How will users choose in this case?

The answer to this question can be given after the answers to the following questions are found.

* Are there frequent surgeries that affect wrist health?

* Is there a spare system in cases where the device goes to the technical service?

* How often can the saw head failure be experienced according to the saw change frequency?

* Do users demand ergonomics and balanced weight?

* What is the sterilization cycle of the device to be purchased?

* What are the operations?

* What are the surgeries performed in the hospital? Are there any surgeries in which only drill or only saw are used?

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