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• Equipment / Instruments
• Unit 9: Basic Instruments

Equipment / Instruments

Unit 9: Basic Instruments

Topic 1: Construction of Surgical Instruments

Most instruments are now made of surgical stainless steel. Stainless steel contains iron, chromium, carbon, nickel and molybdenum and is highly resistant to corrosion.

Chrome plated instruments are available, but not to be recommended because of their tendency to rust and blister.

Corrosion

• Galvanic - due to electrolysis of dissimilar metals. Implants such as plates, screws and even the screwdriver should be matched.
• Oxidation - surface oxidation may actually protect against further corrosion.
• Pitting - damage to the surface of instruments may remove the protective oxides and allow corrosion.

Hinged instruments:

Most hinged instruments have a common structure and terminology for their parts.

The box lock or hinge is stronger than the traditional hinge joint, but must be cleaned carefully to remove all debris which may become trapped within its structure.