title: The reduction of implant-related errors and waste in total knee arthroplasty using a novel, computer based, e.Label and compatibility system.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Ast
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Mayman
authors.forename: Edwin P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Alejandro M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gonzalez Della Valle
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Parks
authors.forename: Steven B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Haas
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003363:Cost Control; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000191:economics; D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011356:Product Labeling / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D011474:Prosthesis Design
keywords: implant related errors; total knee arthroplasty; wasted implants