Last updated on Jan 31, 2024

How can you choose the right surgical scalpel size for a procedure?

Choosing the right surgical scalpel size for a procedure is a crucial skill for medical sales professionals. Scalpels are one of the most common and versatile tools in surgery, but they also come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. How can you help your customers select the best scalpel for their needs and preferences? Here are some factors to consider.

1 Scalpel Types

There are two main types of surgical scalpels: disposable and reusable. Disposable scalpels are pre-sterilized and have a fixed blade that is attached to a plastic handle. They are convenient, safe, and cost-effective for single-use procedures. Reusable scalpels have a metal handle that can hold different blades of various sizes and shapes. They are more durable, customizable, and eco-friendly, but they require proper cleaning and sterilization after each use.

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Carrie Butterworth

Hairstylist at The Salon Project
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I’m flattered that LinkedIn wisely chose me to speak on this topic, seeing as I’m a hairstylist with only a high school and beauty school education. Well done!

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Dr. Manojkumar Manwani

Plastic Surgeon
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Reusable Scalpel with disposable blade are the best. Scalpel are sterilized by autoclave.There are mainly two scalpels no. 3 and no. 4. No. 3 attaches blade no. 11, 12 and 15. Scalpel no. 4 are used for blade 20, 21, 22, 23. No. 3 scalpel are used for fine surgery. No. 4 is used mainly for surgery on abdomen and Thorax

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Stefanos Stefanidis DDS PhD Specialist Oral Surgeon

Oral Surgeon, Director of the Dental Department of Agios Dimitrios Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece, GDC registered
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In oral surgery, no 15c is the most useful. It combines the benefits of both no 15 and no 11. I prefere single use blades and the material does not really matter.

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Viktoria Terman

Certified E-learning Specialist and Medical Subject Matter Expert with Project/Team Coordinating Expertise.
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Scalpel or blade is choosing based on the tissue it will be used.Disposable or reusable is a matter of cost and the circumstances such as emergency.

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2 Scalpel Sizes

The size of the scalpel blade depends on the type and location of the incision, the tissue density, and the surgeon's preference. Scalpel blades are numbered from 10 to 25, with higher numbers indicating smaller and finer blades. The most common sizes are 10, 11, 12, 15, and 20. Size 10 is the largest and most curved blade, suitable for making large and deep incisions in soft tissue. Size 11 is a straight and pointed blade, ideal for making precise and puncture wounds. Size 12 is a hooked blade, designed for cutting in tight spaces or around corners. Size 15 is a small and curved blade, used for making short and shallow incisions in delicate tissue. Size 20 is a very small and straight blade, used for microsurgery or ophthalmology.

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Chukwuma Anyadike

Software engineer with a surgical approach to software development. I build dynamic and immersive full stack applications using JavaScript, React, Angular, Ruby, Rails, Java, and Spring Boot.
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When I used to practice surgery the blade sizes that I used were 10, 11, and 15. For large incisions such as those for laparotomy and thoracotomy I would choose a #10 blade. For procedure involving incision and drainage which typically use small punctate incisions I would choose a #11 blade. And for smaller office or OR procedures such as removal of cysts, I would probably choose a #15 blade. However, there is some nuance. Furthermore, different surgeons have different preferences.

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3 Scalpel Shapes

The shape of the scalpel blade also affects the quality and ease of the incision. There are four basic shapes of scalpel blades: straight, curved, angled, and hooked. Straight blades are good for making linear and clean cuts, while curved blades are good for making circular and smooth cuts. Angled blades are good for making slanted and sharp cuts, while hooked blades are good for making curved and deep cuts. The shape of the blade should match the shape of the incision and the anatomy of the surgical site.

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Stuart Pressman, C.O., C.Ped

Pedorthist, Orthotist, Inventor at Sole-lutions Foot Care
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I don’t use scalpels for medical reasons. I use them for making custom orthotics and for art. Specifically blade #25, cadaver blade. Works so much better than x-acto blades.

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4 Scalpel Materials

The material of the scalpel blade determines its durability, sharpness, and biocompatibility. The most common materials are stainless steel and carbon steel. Stainless steel blades are resistant to corrosion and rust, but they tend to lose their edge faster than carbon steel blades. Carbon steel blades are harder and sharper than stainless steel blades, but they are more prone to oxidation and contamination. Some surgeons prefer carbon steel blades for their superior performance, while others prefer stainless steel blades for their safety and longevity.

Choosing the right surgical scalpel size for a procedure is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires careful consideration of the scalpel type, size, shape, and material, as well as the surgeon's preference and experience. As a medical sales professional, you can help your customers make informed choices by providing them with accurate and relevant information, samples, and demonstrations of different scalpel options.

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Sammy Noumbissi DDS MS

President & Founder at The International Academy of Ceramic Implantology
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I personally prefer zirconia ceramic blades as they do not dull easily and can be sterilized and be reused up to 20 times. However depending on the model (especially #12) have a tendency to chip and break.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dr Oarabile Mochwanaesi

Junior Dentist| Mentor | Founder & CEO @Mochwanaesi foundation | Science Expo District & Regional Judge (NC/GP)|Young Leaders Award Nominee 2024
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I actually think the nature of the procedure is also important as some procedures cover a larger area of the body and some a smaller segment thus would only make sense to use the one based on location.

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How can you choose the right surgical scalpel size for a procedure?

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1 Scalpel Types

2 Scalpel Sizes

3 Scalpel Shapes

4 Scalpel Materials

5 Here’s what else to consider

Medical Sales

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