It is important to keep your instruments in good working order. This means that you need to lubricate them regularly. Decontamination and sterilization are the fundamentals of maintaining a safe and sterile medical environment. When it comes to your Kerrison Rongeurs, you’ll want to make sure youโre taking one extra step towards protecting patients. Lubrication of all moving parts where metal meets metal will help ensure proper cuts in surgery, minimize wear and tear, and increased safety for everyone. This should be done after decontamination and prior to sterilization to ensure that the rongeur will function properly when the surgeon needs them.
Note, several wash cycles “include” a lubricating wash, even in these cases manual lubrication will ensure better function and a longer life. After your instrument has been lubricated at the designated points, testing is the only way to ensure a smooth operation. If you hear a slight squeaking noise, add some additional lubrication to the spring-joint where the ball and cup meet. When done correctly, this should do the trick โ last, ensure that the springs are in the middle of the instrument.
Test the Kerrison Rongeur by squeezing the handle and simulating motion regularly during inspection. While simulating use of the instrument, look and feel for any signs that suggest it is not functioning correctly. Lubricating your Kerrison before sterilization is key to keeping them functioning properly. Make sure to lubricate all the moving parts and test the instruments by moving them back and forth. If you hear a squeak, that means you need to put a
drop of oil on the spring where the ball and cup meet. Once you’re finished lubricating, wipe off any excess oil before putting your instruments in the sterilizer.