Assessment #5

Importance of Orthopedic Surgery Device Sterilization

Vedika Bakre

ISM I

Mr. Walters

October 23, 2018

Brusco, Sam. "Ensuring orthopedic devices are properly 'cleaned and pressed' in sterile packaging is often

undervalued, but always important." ​Orthopedic Design & Technology​, vol. 13, no. 1, 2017, p.

38+. ​General OneFile​,

go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=j043905010&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA4868

69998&asid=137ab2a14ab162fc6adeb569a24d9ae3. Accessed 21 Sept. 2017.

Typically, orthopedic surgery is not life or death like other medical fields. It is more rehabilitation

and helping provide care for joint pain. However, even the slightest mistake can endanger the life of a

patient. From performing the surgery to the equipment an orthopedic surgeon uses, the smallest amount of

contamination can be fatal. The most common orthopedic surgeries are replacements which is the practice

of inserting foreign material into the body. This material is seen as an invader and are often hosts of

bacteria which can cause unnecessary issues for the patient from infection to swelling. Without taking

proper precautions, many orthopedic surgeons have been sued for supposedly intentionally giving patient

faulty implants. When in reality, they did not take the time to notice breaches of contamination on the

implant before providing it to the patient. Without these checks, surgeons are losing money, and patients

are gaining tremendous pain.

Sam Brusco interviews 7 sterilization professionals who dedicate their time to finding new ways

to ensure the safety of the patient during replacements. Each professional believes that even the slightest
abrasion to the packet cover can either break or make the equipment. However, progress in creating new

innovative designs for equipment covers has declined because of FDA regulations, but that does not stop

them. Sterilization techniques are a continuously changing area. From proper hand washing techniques to

hand sanitizers, making sure every object in the OR is sterile can be the determining factor of success in

surgery for the patient.

Using previous knowledge, I knew handwashing was the best way to prevent germs and bacteria,

but I did not give much thought to the importance of staying clean until I read this article. It opened my

eyes to things most students look over. This new knowledge was surprisingly interesting to learn the

impact of contaminated equipment covers during shipping. People underestimate the consequences of

non sterile equipment and improper infection control techniques. By pursuing the medical field, I am

opening myself up to a wide range of opportunities and lawsuits. I learned that even the smallest change

in the operating room could impact the patient and the surgeon forever. I also learned the majority of

cause of deaths or more pain in orthopedic surgeries are from non sterile implants or equipment. I can use

the information I learned to educate the public and students who hope to pursue the medical field the

importance of being clean, and possibly use it in my original work for students who do not usually give it

a second thought.

During my ISM journey, I can see how my mentor tries to prevent contamination in the OR

because orthopedic surgeons are liable to many malpractice suits if they do not take the proper

precautions. I learned that I need to pay attention to the small details because sometimes the things you do

not expect to affect you, will. Especially in the orthopedics field, many as they get older receive hip

replacements and knee replacements. If the equipment or implant are not sterilized, then the patient is

open to infection, and could possibly make the pain worse. My underlying theme for this ISM journey is

trying to find the best possible ways to treat patients in the orthopedics field. Whether that is exploring

new methods such as bone tissue engineering or educating the public about the importance of staying
hygienic, I want to help people. Hopefully, with this new acquired knowledge I can help those who are

not educated about the consequences of not reading the smaller details in life.