THE USE OF SPRING-EYE NEEDLES IN NEUROSURGERY - A SURVEY OF NEUROSURGICAL THEATERS IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM

Spring-eye needles were commonly used in neurosurgery as a method of c losure of craniotomy incisions because of the perceived, but not prove n, advantages of easy handling, fast wound closure and reduced infecti on rate. However, these needles produce more tissue trauma and are mor e fragile. We surveyed 33 neurosurgical operating theatres in the UK t o find out if spring eyed needles are still in use and, if they are no t why not. We had a 91% response. The survey involved 117 British neur osurgeons, of whom spring-eye needles were used by 38 (13%). Both roun d body and cutting needles were used, but the cutting needles have a h igher breakage rate. The use of 'eyed' needles is rare in other surgic al specialities but they are still in use in neurosurgical theatres; h owever, their use has declined because of changes in surgical practice , the increased breakage rate of these needles, and reduction of their availability.