In Sydney
A visit to the Device Technology offices in Sydney, who distribute Arthrex products, with Simon Norris and Sean Cogan.
Why instrumentation matters in shoulder surgery
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery depends heavily on instruments. The surgeon works through incisions a few millimetres across, so every suture passer, anchor, cannula and guide has to do its job in a confined space and often at an awkward angle. A technique that works well in one surgeon's hands frequently depends on a specific instrument designed for that step, and when the instrument set changes the technique has to be rehearsed again. Individual results vary.
Arthrex is one of the orthopaedic device companies that manufactures implants and instruments for shoulder arthroscopy and joint replacement. In Australia, products of this kind reach hospitals through distributors, who hold the stock, supply theatres and provide technical support during operating lists.
Why surgeons meet device companies
Surgeons who use a system regularly tend to be the source of the detailed feedback that leads to changes in it. An instrument that is a little too short, a guide that sits at the wrong angle, or a step that needs an extra pair of hands will be obvious to the surgeon using it and invisible on a specification sheet. Visits like this one are where that feedback is passed on, and where new instruments and implants are shown and discussed before they appear on an operating list.
It is also an opportunity to see how products are stored, prepared and tracked. That logistics work sits behind every operation, and when it fails the effect is felt in theatre.
Related information
See also our posts on the Arthrex shoulder course in Singapore and the fellows shoulder model practice session, and our shoulder surgery page.