Abstract:Objective To measure the noise generated by orthopedic instruments during total knee arthroplasty to analyze noise exposure level of orthopedic surgeons. Methods In 40 primary operations of unilateral total knee arthroplasty from March to December 2018, sound level meter was used to measure and record the noise intensity and cumulative time generated by bone hammer (distal femur osteotomy, tibial platform osteotomy, four in one femur osteotomy, intercondylar femur osteotomy, tibial platform piling) and swing saw (distal femur osteotomy, tibial platform piling, four in one femur osteotomy, intercondylar femur osteotomy) in different operation processes. Results The noise of bone hammer and swing saw in 40 total knee arthroplasty exceeded the national standard. The noise intensity from bone hammer in the distal femur osteotomy, tibial plateau osteotomy and tibial platform piling was higher, with the equivalent sound level above 90 dB(A), and the maximum noise level generated by the bone hammer in the tibial platform piling was (107.2±5.2) dB(A). The noise intensity of swing saw in distal femur osteotomy and four in one femur osteotomy was higher with the equivalent sound level over 90 dB(A), and the maximum noise level from four in one femur osteotomy was (106.9±7.8) dB(A). Conclusion The noise exposure of orthopedic surgeons during total knee arthroplasty has potential harm to the hearing system. Medical staff should increase awareness of noise pollution and enhance the awareness of protection.