Noise Exposure Due to Orthopedic Saws in Simulated Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery

In some orthopedic procedures, including total knee arthroplasty (TKA), surgeons are exposed to noise generated by powered instruments, with a risk of developing occupational hearing loss. A new saw design, the Stryker Precision system (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich), has been developed that may reduce noise during TKA surgery. The new system was tested against a standard Stryker System 5 sagittal saw in simulated TKA surgery using porcine cadaveric femurs, and noise levels from the cuts were measured. The average noise level of the Precision system, L_Aeq = 81.6 dB(A), was significantly lower than that of the System 5 saw, L_Aeq = 88.9 dB(A) (P = .003). Calculated 8-hour values for both blade systems were within Health and Safety guidelines. It was concluded that the Precision system produced a lower risk of noise-induced hearing loss than the System 5 saw.