Comparison of Cutting Efficiency, Cutting Area and Noise among Different Ultrasound Bone Cutting Devices

<p>In comparison with conventional micro-saws and rotating cutting devices, devices that utilize ultrasonic vibration to cut bone are less invasive and are being used more frequently in clinical settings, and a number of research reports have been published. The objective of this study was to compare the cutting efficiency, cutting area and noise at the time of cutting for each of five different ultrasonic bone cutting devices.<br/> Using costal bone from pigs with a cortical bone thickness of approximately 1.5 mm, we cut the bone using the Piezon Master Surgery (PMS), Piezosurgery3 (PS), Piezosurgery Touch (PST), Piezotome (PT), and Piezotome2 (PT2) to create a square cutting area measuring 1×1 cm (n = 40). Evaluation items included the time required for cutting, cutting area and noise at the time of cutting. Data were assessed using Levene's test, followed by variance analysis and multiple comparison testing. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to identify correlations between each evaluation item.<br/> Significant differences in the time required for cutting were observed for all of the devices other than between the PS and PT2, and the PST and PT2. The cutting time was shortest with the PST and increased in the order of PT2, PS, PT and PMS. Significant differences in the cutting area were observed for all of the devices other than between the PMS and PT, and the PS and PST. The cutting area was largest with the PMS and decreased sequentially in order of the PT, PS, PST and PT2. Significant differences in the cutting noise were observed for all of the devices other than between the PMS and PST, and the PS and PT2. The cutting noise was loudest with the PT2 and decreased sequentially in order of the PS, PMS, PST and PT. The results of correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between cutting time and cutting area.<br/> A positive correlation was observed between the cutting time and cutting area, but the cutting times, cutting areas and cutting noise were different for each of the devices, suggesting that practitioners need to take these factors into consideration when selecting an ultrasonic bone cutting device.</p>