Q. Surgeons seem to think that ArthroSteer can be used in other joints than the hip.
A. While the instruments were designed with the hip primarily in mind, the opportunity for other joints is enormous. We look forward to your success stories.
Q. What are the devices used in the hip?
A. The punch and grasper are going to be the devices of choice; they can be used in every case. The grasper is a device which is the lifesaver on those cases that need deep retrieval of loose bodies to clear tissue away, and the punch can bite and clean labrel tissue. RF is used in every case.
Q. How should one hold the device for it to perform most effectively?
A. The thumb controls the bend lever, the first finger controls the rotating knob, and the middle finger operates the trigger.
Q. My surgeon has a hard time manipulating the three major features (bend, rotate, open/close jaw).
A. The device’s ergonomics were derived from a size 7 hand. The forefinger is on the rotate knob, the thumb on the bend lever, and the two smaller fingers stabilize the handle.
Q. How does the spine bend?
A. There are two sets of wires attached to the spine's distal end. These two sets of wires run the entire length of the shaft, thru the handle and around a wheel that is attached to the lever and its button. Moving the lever pulls one set of wires which literally pulls the end of the spine.
Q. I hear a clicking noise when the surgeon is bending the spine.
A. It is important to inservice the surgeon since he is not fully depressing the bend wheel lever's button.
Q. How many positions can the spine be bent and locked?
A. 14 in total.
Q. The spine seems very sturdy when it’s bent or straight.
A. The design of the nylon spine allows the surgeon to use the jaw as a type of dissector. Moreover the spine allows high compressive forces (end to end) delivering large forces at the jaw which allow the punch to operate effectively.
Q. Why does the spine only bend in one plane?
A. The spine easily bends in one plane (up and down) which offers very strong lateral strength in the other plane (side to side). Other types of bending instruments can't provide this type of strength.
Q. How far can the spine bend?
A. 90 degrees up and down, thus 180 degrees in total.