CME OnDemand: 2022 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Determining the Operative Efficiency of Ankle Arthroscopy with a Standard Arthroscope versus Nanoscope

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A study was conducted to compare the efficiency and cost of ankle arthroscopy using a single-use 2.0-millimeter nanoscope versus a reusable 2.7-millimeter small joint arthroscope. The researchers used time-driven activity-based costing (TD-ABC) to calculate procedure and turnover costs for each device. The study included 29 procedures performed by two foot and ankle surgeons at an academic medical center.<br /><br />The results showed that the nanoscope had faster turnover, equipment opening, incision to joint space, and intraoperative times compared to the arthroscope. However, there was no significant difference in total procedure costs between the single-use nanoscope and reusable arthroscope. The primary driver of overall cost for both devices was the cost of operating room turnover time, which is influenced by factors independent of scope selection.<br /><br />When excluding the cost of operating room turnover time, the overall procedure cost for the single-use nanoscope was higher than the reusable arthroscope. However, the nanoscope procedure was less costly when the scope purchase price was less than $486.65.<br /><br />These findings suggest that the nanoscope can provide faster procedural times but may not necessarily be more cost-efficient compared to the reusable arthroscope. The results are valuable for surgeons seeking to optimize operating room efficiency during anterior ankle arthroscopy.<br /><br />Overall, the study provides insights into the efficiency and cost considerations of using a nanoscope versus a standard arthroscope for ankle arthroscopy procedures. Further research and larger sample sizes may be needed to validate these findings.

Asset Subtitle

Andrew P. Burnikel, Jonathan B. Goodloe, MD, Joseph Cutrone, Weston McDonald, Alexander S. Guareschi, Caroline P. Hoch, Walker M. Heffron, Christopher E. Gross, MD, Daniel J. Scott, MD, MBA

Keywords

ankle arthroscopy

nanoscope

small joint arthroscope

efficiency

cost

time-driven activity-based costing

procedure costs

turnover costs

operating room turnover time

procedural times