The reduction of implant-related errors and waste in total knee arthroplasty using a novel, computer based, e.Label and compatibility system. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Implant related errors and wasted arthroplasty implants represent a significant problem in the healthcare system. Studies estimate that an implant is wasted in two to five percent of total joint replacement procedures. After the introduction of a standardized time-out procedure, our institution still had a wasted implant in one out of every 20 arthroplasty surgeries. We then implemented a computer based, e.Label and compatibility system which standardized the implant labeling, confirmed correct size and side, and ensured compatibility within implant systems. Use of this system decreased wasted implants from 5.7% to 0.8% of total knee arthroplasty cases. This translated to an annualized cost savings of over $75,000 over our study period which could extrapolate to over $82 million per year in savings to the US healthcare system.

publication date

  • April 22, 2013

Research

keywords

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee
  • Hospital Information Systems
  • Knee Prosthesis
  • Medical Errors
  • Product Labeling

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84889080110

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.arth.2013.03.013

PubMed ID

  • 23618749

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 29

issue

  • 1