Increase of temperature during osteotomy. In vitro and in vivo investigations.

Direct temperature measurements using copper-constantan thermocouples were performed during in vitro and in vivo bone cuttings while the load of the oscillating saw and irrigation were varied. Very high temperatures during continuously applied load were observed. Consequent irrigation may reduce temperature elevation, but only intermittent sawing combined with irrigation diminishes temperature elevation adequately, which allows for an osteotomy without discernible bone damage. In practice, the available oscillating saws should be handled with great care, which implies that the osteotomy should be performed with maximum irrigation and intermittent use.