Effects of surgical technique on bone. A preliminary study

The authors compared the use of the power saw with bone-cutting forceps for excision of bone. A total of 44 digits were studied in 12 patients. The study was performed on patients requiring bilateral digital arthroplasties of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. The authors examined the differences in healing: pain, inflammation, and fibrosis. Digits on which the power cuts were made showed a slight advantage with regard to inflammation and pain, until 1 week after surgery. By week 12, neither technique demonstrated superiority. Overall results demonstrated no significant digit (p > 0.2) or treatment effect (p = 0.11). The authors believe that the study showed that the technique used for bone excision may have little effect on inflammation and healing in the long-term management of a surgical patient.