Published in:
17-03-2024 | Distal Radius Fracture | Trauma Surgery
Comparison of time-efficiency of individually wrapped screws and sterile screw racks in distal radius fracture treatment
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 5/2024
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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).