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Design and Ergonomics of Microsurgical Instruments

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Microsurgery in Periodontal and Implant Dentistry

Abstract

Instrument design in microsurgery has evolved mainly as an organic logistic response to the inherent progression in the operational demands by surgeons and their teams across different medical and dental disciplines. The understanding of the function of the human hand and the role played by its complex neuromotor framework, which fuels unparalleled motion and sensory capabilities, have been fundamental to translate the concept behind microsurgical instruments becoming natural extensions of the human body.

A well-designed microsurgical instrument ought to enable a stable grip, facilitate fine rotatory movements, provide feedback of the position of the instrument and how it is interacting with the elements of the surgical field, and minimize triggering tremors due to operational fatigue. Quality of materials utilized for crafting these instruments, along with the size, shape, and texture of the handle will ultimately determine the quality of that symbiotic relationship that exists between the hand and the instrument itself.

Understanding the intricacies of instrument design and how it interacts with the gloved hand of the microsurgeon ought to help make decisions relevant to acquisition and care of armamentarium that will ultimately facilitate the execution of tasks and enhance surgical performance when utilizing the operating microscope.

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Acknowledgments

The support in photography and the expertise in graphic design of Mrs. Idoia Felis as well as her meticulous preparation of the figures are highly appreciated. Likewise, the personal communications with Dr. Susan Lederman and Dr. Lynette Jones helped to find the relevant basic literature and are highly acknowledged. Thanks to their recommendations, the contact to the currently leading researchers in the field was possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Private Practice, Zurich, Switzerland

    Rino Burkhardt

  2. Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Rino Burkhardt

  3. Prince Philip Dental Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China

    Rino Burkhardt

  4. Department of Periodontics & Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Rino Burkhardt

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  1. Rino Burkhardt
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Hsun-Liang (Albert) Chan

  2. School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Abor, MI, USA

    Diego Velasquez-Plata

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Burkhardt, R. (2022). Design and Ergonomics of Microsurgical Instruments. In: Chan, HL.(., Velasquez-Plata, D. (eds) Microsurgery in Periodontal and Implant Dentistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96874-8_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96874-8_4

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