Comparison of time-efficiency of individually wrapped screws and sterile screw racks in distal radius fracture treatment

Introduction Time-efficiency of individually wrapped screws versus screws in a screw rack is not well established. Materials and methods We performed a prospective single-center clinical study timing the interval between the surgeon asking and receiving a screw during plate and screw osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures. Patients were randomized for individually wrapped screws or screws in a screw rack. The study was conducted in a Level 1 Trauma Center and surgeries were performed between March and June 2023. Results Average handling time for screws from a screw rack was 9 s (SD 5.5; range 3–28) and 22 s for individually wrapped screws (SD 6.1; range 6–38). This average difference of 13 s is significant ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion There is a significant increase in handling time using individually wrapped screws over using a screw rack. Level of evidence Level I (therapeutic, randomized controlled trial).