Surgical Instrument Parts

Instrument Parts

• Teeth: Some instruments have teeth to help grip tissue and ensure a secure hold.
• Jaws: The part of the instrument that opens and closes, typically used for cutting or crushing tissue.
• Box Lock: A locking mechanism that secures the instrument in a closed position. It absorbs a lot of force and should be checked frequently.
• Box Lock Hinge: The interlocking teeth within the box lock mechanism that lock the jaws closed.
• Shank: The body of the instrument, determining its overall length which can vary from 3 to 12 inches.
• Finger Rings: Finger holes designed for holding instruments with the thumb and ring finger.
• Serrations: Grooves or lines found on the jaws of instruments that crush or hold tissue. These can be:
  • Vertical Serrations: Running lengthwise along the jaw.
  • Horizontal Serrations: Running across the jaw.
  • Cross-hatched Serrations: Forming a checkerboard pattern.

Instrument Holding Techniques

• Hemostats and Thumb Forceps:
  • Finger rings: Second and third finger.
  • Middle finger supports the shank.
  • Pointer finger guides the instrument.
  • Pinky finger provides support.
• Thumb Forceps: "Pencil" hold. Held between the thumb and first finger of the non-dominant hand. Rests on remaining fingers.
• Scalpel Handle: Held between the thumb and middle finger. Pointer finger used to guide. Non-dominant hand.

Test your knowledge on the various parts of surgical instruments. This quiz covers essential components like jaws, box locks, shanks, and serrations. Understand how each part functions to enhance surgical procedures.