Orthopaedic instrument sterilization case

Abstract

A sterilization case assembly includes a plurality of sterilization cases including a first sterilization case and a second sterilization case, the second sterilization case stacked upon the first sterilization case in a vertical direction, the second sterilization case being configured for both stacking offset from the first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the vertical direction and stacking inline from the first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the vertical direction.

1 . A sterilization case assembly, comprising:
 a plurality of sterilization cases including a first sterilization case and a second sterilization case, said second sterilization case stacked upon said first sterilization case in a vertical direction, said second sterilization case being configured for both stacking offset from said first sterilization case in a direction transverse to said vertical direction and stacking inline from said first sterilization case in a direction transverse to said vertical direction.   
     
     
         2 . The sterilization case assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said second sterilization case is offset from said first sterilization case in a frontward to rearward direction. 
     
     
         3 . The sterilization case assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one said case includes a plurality of drawers. 
     
     
         4 . The sterilization case assembly of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of said plurality of drawers has a hinged front cover. 
     
     
         5 . The sterilization case assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first sterilization case and said second sterilization case includes a hinged lid. 
     
     
         6 . The sterilization case assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said lid is removable. 
     
     
         7 . A sterilization case assembly, comprising:
 a plurality of sterilization cases including a first sterilization case having a first lid and a second sterilization case having a second lid, said second sterilization case stacked upon said first sterilization case in a vertical direction, both said first sterilization case and said second sterilization case being configured for stacking both with at least one of said first lid and said second lid and in the absence of said first lid and said second lid.   
     
     
         8 . The sterilization case assembly of  claim 7 , further including a first hinge connected to both said first sterilization case and said first lid, and a second hinge connected to both said second sterilization case and said second lid, each of said first hinge and said second hinge allowing a removal of a corresponding said lid from a corresponding said sterilization case. 
     
     
         9 . A method of using a sterilization case assembly, comprising the steps of:
 stacking a first sterilization case and a second sterilization case in a surgical environment, said second sterilization case stacked upon said first sterilization case in a vertical direction;   offsetting said second sterilization case from said first sterilization case in a direction transverse to said vertical direction; and   resetting said second sterilization case relative to said first sterilization case so that said second sterilization case is inline with said first sterilization case in said direction transverse to said vertical direction to store said second sterilization case and said first sterilization case after use in said surgical environment.