In total hip replacement, the acetabulum is generally reamed to size with multiple hemispherical reamers. The steel reamers have multiple small teeth and, until now, have been supplied in a tray of up to 48 sizes which is cleaned, wrapped, and sterilized for each surgery. The reamers are reused multiple times, but unfortunately, the reusable reamers supplied are frequently dull. The sharp teeth, crucial for shaping the hard cortical bone, tend to lose their edge after two or three uses.

Hospitals are hesitant to invest in new reamers and sharpening the used ones is not a feasible option due to the intricate nature of the small teeth on an acetabular reamer. Attempts at resharpening also produce dimensional changes to the reamer, which could result in inaccurate preparations for the cup implant.

Dull reamers pose multiple problems. They cut inefficiently, requiring the surgeon to apply significant force, diminishing control. The preparation of the acetabular bed often requires the use of multiple sequentially larger dull reamers. Fortunately, recent advancements in imaging software now enable accurate identification of the cup diameter needed, allowing acetabular preparation with a single sharp reamer. The OsteoFit single-use reamer achieves this with its consistently sharp teeth.

The OsteoFit single-use reamer, developed through a patented manufacturing process, offers a significantly higher level of accuracy than conventional reusable reamers. Reusing a reamer multiple times leads to a loss of metal, reducing both the size of the reamer and the accuracy of the cut. Dull reamers also create friction, producing temperatures exceeding 50°C. The elevated temperature kills the osteocytes needed for ingrowth and biologic fixation of the cup.