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The bone pencil and the bone surgeon.

J E Zins, M Parker

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

|September 1, 1987

Summary

The bone pencil offers an indelible marking solution for bony reconstruction, outperforming methylene blue which washes away. This versatile tool aids surgeons in precise markings, even in challenging surgical sites, with no adverse effects observed.

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Area of Science:

Surgical Innovation
Biomaterials
Orthognathic Surgery

Background:

Methylene blue is a common preoperative skin marker but is easily removed by irrigation and bodily fluids during surgery.
This necessitates reliable methods for marking hard tissues during bony reconstruction procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the bone pencil as an indelible marker for hard tissues in bony reconstruction.
To compare the bone pencil's performance against traditional markers like methylene blue in surgical settings.

Main Methods:

The bone pencil, an art supply, was utilized for preoperative markings on hard tissues during bony reconstruction.
Surgeons assessed the pencil's ability to remain visible despite irrigation and its ease of use in confined surgical areas.
Patient outcomes and potential adverse effects were monitored.

Main Results:

The bone pencil proved indelible to irrigation and tissue fluids, maintaining clear markings on hard tissues.
It facilitated precise drawing in difficult-to-access surgical sites, including sagittal split and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomies.
No adverse effects were reported in patients who underwent procedures using the bone pencil.

Conclusions:

The bone pencil is a superior, indelible marker for hard tissues in bony reconstruction compared to conventional methods.
Its ease of use and safety profile make it a valuable tool for complex osteotomies and other surgical applications.
The bone pencil is readily available and cost-effective, offering a practical solution for surgical marking needs.

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