The idea of disposible surgical instruments for Spine looks atractive and innovative with many advantages for the hospitals and the manufacturers. On the other hand, there are many complaints
related to their quality and limited posibilities.Nevertheless, the success of Safe Orthopedics and Xenco Medical has shown that the concept of disposible instruments is very interesting for the Spinal Market of today.
What is positive about Disposable Instruments?
1.- Less investments in sets and reduced costs.
2.- Very easy to use and with not many instruments.
3.- Hospital logistics simplified.
4.- Competitive Prices.
5.- Process more safe, clean and sterile.
6.- Sets always Complete.
What is not so positive?
1.- Only for very simple cases or products (Cervical cages, 1-2 levels Lumbar degenerative).
2.- Instruments are still weak (made in plastic) and not always effective.
3.- Very limited number of instruments.
4.- For the moment, products are too basic.
Our Conclusion:
We think that for simple products as Cages, Interspinous devices and 1-2 levels Lumbar Degenerative procedures the concept is very attractive. We have to take into account that at the present we are evaluating just the first generation of disposable instruments with many things yet to improve. Probably in the near future we will get used to this new products concept and most the companies will develop something alike.