Comparison of time-efficiency of individually wrapped screws and sterile screw racks in distal radius fracture treatment

期刊论文
发表日期：

2024年3月17日

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Tim Philips,
Ben Molenaers,
Pieter Caekebeke,
Mike Flies,
Olivier Vanderhaeghen,
Joris Duerinckx

摘要

Introduction

Time-efficiency of individually wrapped screws versus screws in a screw rack is not well established.

Materials and methods

We performed a prospective single-center clinical study timing the interval between the surgeon asking and receiving a screw during plate and screw osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures. Patients were randomized for individually wrapped screws or screws in a screw rack. The study was conducted in a Level 1 Trauma Center and surgeries were performed between March and June 2023.

Results

Average handling time for screws from a screw rack was 9 s (SD 5.5; range 3–28) and 22 s for individually wrapped screws (SD 6.1; range 6–38). This average difference of 13 s is significant (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

There is a significant increase in handling time using individually wrapped screws over using a screw rack.

Level of evidence

Level I (therapeutic, randomized controlled trial).