High quality surgical instruments are designed and manufactured to provide years of service when properly maintained. 99% of surgical instrument failures are due to abuse, misuse, or lack of proper care including proper cleaning. Instrument failures due to abuse happen as a result of careless handling of the instruments before or after surgery. Failures due to misuse happen when an instrument is used for a purpose for which it is not designed. Instrument failure due to a lack of care primarily happens as a result of improper cleaning and maintenance. One of the best resources available for instrument cleaning and maintenance can be found at www.a-k-i.org