Temperature changes in bone using an air scaler Ex Vivo

Frictional forces induced by osteotomy devices may induce an unwanted temperature increase in bone. This experimental study aimed to evaluate temperature changes produced in dense bone by three different osteotomies produced by an air scaler device. Methodology Under the same parameters, forty-five linear osteotomies were prepared on the cortical layer of fresh porcine ribs resembling dense bone with three different air scaler insert tips: sagittal saw (Tip A), diamond ball (Tip B) and square chisel (Tip C). The length of the osteotomies was standardized to 10 mm in length. The depths of cuts ranged from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. The future osteotomy areas were marked with a graphite pen, and thermocouple microprobes were placed 1 mm lateral at both sides of the marks. The maximum temperature, differential temperature, and time for cut completion were recorded. Analysis of Variance and Kruskal Wallis test were used for the group comparisons. Results Tip A induced the highest of the maximum temperature recordings (Tip A: 48.0 o C). Tip B and C produced comparable maximum temperatures (Tip B: 43.6 o C and Tip C: 44.0 o C). Total mean temperature change increased more for Tip B (4.13) and less in Tip C (0.2). Timing of cuts ranged from 30 seconds to 5 minutes (2.30 ± 1.76 min). Overall average temperature change was less than 100 o C within one minute. Conclusion Osseous site preparation can be achieved with the Air scaler and different air scaler inserts without inducing significant critical thermal changes in bone.