In vitro performance testing of two arcuate oscillating saw blades designed for use during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE

To test the cutting performance of 2 commercially available oscillating saws designed for use during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and to evaluate the influence of saline irrigation on cutting performance.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro experimental study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Composite polyurethane test blocks (n=40); 24 m TPLO saw blades.

METHODS

Controlled force cutting tests were performed using custom-made laminated bone substitute blocks to model the canine proximal tibia. Half of the trials were irrigated with 0.9% saline solution. Outcome measures were test block temperature (measured 1.5 m from the cutting zone), cutting rate, and cutting surface wear. Durability was measured by recording change in performance over multiple consecutive trials.

RESULTS

The Synthes blade cut the test blocks with ∼64% less heat generation and at a 63% faster cutting rate compared with the Slocum blade. Although wear of the Synthes blade was ∼50% greater after 19 uses, this did not negatively impact cutting performance. Saline irrigation produced no significant effect on peak cutting temperature but significantly reduced cutting rate for both saws.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results favor the Synthes blade in terms of cutting performance and the Slocum blade in terms of wear resistance.