[Effect of temperature on compact bone in saw cutting in relation to the conditions of use]

The use of reciprocating saw blades in surgery is accompanied by occurrence of high temperatures which may imply the risk of thermal damage to tissue. The severity of such damage was found to depend on temperature level and length of its action, and this, in turn, depends substantially on tool geometry, bone condition, cutting parameters, use of cooling, and attrition of saw blade. Cutting time can be minimised by increasing of revolutions and thrust force, which will lower the temperature acting on the bone. Temperature can be substantively lowered by use of a coolant, however, at the expense of worsening cutting time. The state of attrition of the saw blade used is of crucial importance to avoidance of thermal damage. A tool getting in contact with metal in the process of saw cutting should be discarded for good.