Surgical instrument sets: what to check before you buy

How set listings are described

Clear Choice Medical sells each surgical instrument set as one listing at one price. The listing title and the actual-item photos show what that listing includes. The same checks apply to new and used surgical instrument sets, from orthopedic instrument sets to neurosurgical sets.

The word "set" in a title does not always mean several pieces. Some titles name the system set that a single part belongs to. Others use "Set of 2" for two of the same item.

Titles with the words "Instrument Set" often name a maker's system and give no count.

Set titles are short and abbreviated. Read a title as a description of the listing, not as a full parts list. A title can combine several of these elements:

• A count at the start, such as "Set of 4" or "8 Piece"
• One maker name, or two or more when the pieces come from several makers
• A catalog number for one piece, or a number for each piece
• Sizes, lengths and angles for the pieces
• The container, in words such as "w/ Case" or "w/ Tray"
• Specialty words at the end, such as Orthopedic, Neuro or Spine

Count the pieces against the photos

When buying surgical instrument sets, start with the piece count. Count every piece you can see in the photos, then compare it with the number in the title.

A title does not always say what its count covers. Check whether it counts handles, accessories or the case as pieces.

Many set titles give no count at all. For those listings, list each piece from the photos yourself.

Drill and saw sets may name a handpiece, attachments or a hose in the title. Count those parts in the photos as well.

A tray in the photos may have empty positions. Do not assume a piece is part of the listing because the tray has a place for it.

If you want a closer view of a piece or its marking, ask and we will send a photo before you buy.

Compare the pattern, size and markings of each piece

A set title often names the pattern once, but each piece has its own size. Check every piece against the size you need, not only the set name.

A graduated set holds one pattern in a run of sizes. Curette set titles may list size numbers such as 0, 00 and 000. Kerrison rongeur set titles may list bite widths in mm, an angle and a length. Osteotome set titles may list blade widths in mm or inches.

Some size runs skip a size. A title may list 1, 2, 3 and 5 mm with no 4 mm piece. Check that each size you need appears in the title or the photos.

Check whether each piece is straight or curved. For angled pieces, check the angle and whether it points up or down. Compare overall length too, because some titles list two lengths in one set.

Then read the markings on each piece in the photos, including the maker's name and any catalog number. Some titles give a number for each piece, and others give one for the set.

A set may hold pieces from one maker or from several. Some titles name two or more makers, such as V. Mueller, Codman and Jarit. Two makers' versions of one pattern can differ in length, tip or handle.

Clear Choice Medical is an independent dealer and is not affiliated with any manufacturer. Maker and pattern names identify equipment only.

Check which tray or case comes with it

Treat a tray or case as part of the listing only when the title or the photos show it. Titles name it in words such as "w/ Case", "w/ Tray" or "Sterilization Case".

If neither the title nor the photos show a container, plan on receiving the instruments alone.

Do not assume a case was made for the set it holds. Check the photos for markings on the case itself.

A sterilization case in a title names the container type only. Every item ships non-sterile, and your facility processes it before clinical use.

Match a set to the pieces you already use

Start with the instruments your facility already uses. Note the maker, pattern, size and catalog number of each piece you want to match.

If you are adding to a set, compare the listed pieces with your own pieces side by side. Check that the patterns, lengths and handle styles match.

Some makers publish a tray list for a system set. Compare each piece in the photos with that list, by catalog number where one is marked.

Many drill, trial and navigation set titles name a maker's system. Match the system name and model family before you order. Do not assume parts from one system fit another.

If you are building a graduated set and want us to hold pieces while you assemble it, tell us and we will set them aside.

Not sure a set matches what you use? Call (727) 482-5016 or email info@ccmeddeals.com before you order.

Purchase terms and buyer checklist

Clear Choice Medical offers a 30-day warranty against functional defects. All sales are final. We do not accept returns.

Clear Choice Medical offers free domestic shipping within the United States. That covers standard ground shipping, and faster methods are available at additional cost. Report any shipping damage within 48 hours of delivery.

Use this surgical instrument set checklist before you order:

• Read the whole title, including the count, the maker names and the container words.
• Count the pieces in the photos and compare the total with the title.
• Check the pattern, size and shape of each piece, not only the set name.
• Check the maker and catalog number on each piece, and note whether several makers appear.
• Confirm from the title or photos whether a tray or case comes with the listing.
• Compare the set with the pieces or the tray list your facility already uses.
• Ask for another photo or call before you order if anything is unclear.