Wireless vs. Wired Arthroscopic Cameras: A Comparative OR Simulation Study of Efficiency, Cost Per Case, Setup, and Takedown

Arthroscopic cameras have undergone numerous incremental improvements over the last 50 years and yet continue to be tethered by light and power cables. Technological advancements in operating room (OR) equipment hold the greatest promise for improvements in value-based care. This study compares the FDA-cleared, wireless ArthroFree SystemTM to a traditional wired camera in terms of setup, takedown, and total time under simulated OR conditions by nurses and scrub technicians with varying degrees of experience with arthroscopic equipment. The data collected was then used to determine setup and takedown efficiencies and projected cost savings. The participants also completed a human factors questionnaire at the conclusion of their participation. Results demonstrated the ArthroFree System was 44% (24.5 seconds) faster to assemble, 23% (4.9 seconds) faster to disassemble, and 38% (29.4 seconds) faster overall compared to a traditional wired camera system. With OR costs per minute ranging from $20 to $239.50 per minute, the projected savings per case are $9.80 to $117.36. On a Likert Scale (1=poor to 5=excellent) evaluating the following human factors—ease of setup, efficiency, ease of use, ease of disassemble, patient safety, and stress reduction—the ArthroFree wireless camera scored between 4.4 and 4.8 reflecting OR nurses and scrub technicians’ high ratings for all parameters.