Operating room setup

Operating Room Layout

A large operating room is preferable when shoulder arthroplasty is being performed. Larger operating rooms allow a complete set of implants to be stored in the room on a mobile shelving unit to minimize traffic in and out of the operating suite. Our operating suite has two doors: one main door from the hall through which the patient is transported, and a second door going into the substerile area. After the patient is placed on the operating table, the main door is locked to further minimize traffic. A view box is used to display radiographs and secondary imaging studies during the procedure so that they can be referenced quickly if necessary ( Fig. 3.1 ). Additionally, a computer is available for intraoperative review of digital imaging ( Fig. 3.2 ).

An overview of the operating room layout is shown in Fig. 3.3 . The operating table is placed directly under the operating lights and is not angled within the room. Anesthesia equipment is located at the head of the operating table. The electrocautery unit is placed on a mobile cart at the foot of the operating table. A Mayo stand is positioned over the patient's lower extremities and comes in from the nonoperative side. Two back tables of equipment are placed on the nonoperative side. The cord for the electrocautery handpiece and the tubing for suction are passed off the foot of the operating table. Mobile shelving units containing a full set of implants are placed against a wall of the operating room.