Bone saw suggestions?

[Ishie1013]

Hi guys, weird grossing question...

My program gets a decent variety of head/neck resections that require getting bone margins on small irregular pieces. We also have to try to dig samples out of the toes of amputations for osteomyelitis and the odd osteosarc. Most of the residents (myself included) don't love our table saw, and I'd like to bring up the suggestion of something helpful and affordable. I was thinking of something that is sort of the saw equivalent to a dremel tool that's easily maneuverable. The table saw works for taking a thin slice off the cut surface of a long bone, but that's the only thing it's nice for.

Any suggestions? Tools you like at your programs? Or any small craft tool you'd recommend?

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[2121115]

I recommend an intern/first year resident.

 

[mlw03]

My program used a jig saw for what you describe. Worked fairly well.

 

[Ishie1013]

I recommend an intern/first year resident.

Exactly, and I'd like to make it to second year with both my thumbs. 😉

 

[sirenomelia]

Use a coping saw
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coping_saw
I had used them at home and brought one to work when the bone saw broke and no one would replace it. They're intended for cutting grooves, curves into irregular/ complex shapes into wood. Its perfect for mandible/ maxilla cases or getting sections of tumor with ossified thryoid cartilage. They're like $5 at the hardware store. You also need a bench vice- or stationary clamp to secure the specimen. You can't keep it still with your hands. A standard hacksaw is best for hips/ femur heads.

 

[pathstudent]

Hi guys, weird grossing question...

My program gets a decent variety of head/neck resections that require getting bone margins on small irregular pieces. We also have to try to dig samples out of the toes of amputations for osteomyelitis and the odd osteosarc. Most of the residents (myself included) don't love our table saw, and I'd like to bring up the suggestion of something helpful and affordable. I was thinking of something that is sort of the saw equivalent to a dremel tool that's easily maneuverable. The table saw works for taking a thin slice off the cut surface of a long bone, but that's the only thing it's nice for.

Any suggestions? Tools you like at your programs? Or any small craft tool you'd recommend?

You can't beat a hacksaw equipped with a new blade and a little elbow grease for smaller bones

 

[Ishie1013]

Use a coping saw
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coping_saw
I had used them at home and brought one to work when the bone saw broke and no one would replace it. They're intended for cutting grooves, curves into irregular/ complex shapes into wood. Its perfect for mandible/ maxilla cases or getting sections of tumor with ossified thryoid cartilage. They're like $5 at the hardware store. You also need a bench vice- or stationary clamp to secure the specimen. You can't keep it still with your hands. A standard hacksaw is best for hips/ femur heads.

This may be perfect. Thank you!

 

[horrendoma]

Make sure everything has been fixed at least 24 hours in formalin Then, if there is non osseous tissue containing tumour, sample at least 4 cassettes so you get at least some tumour that hasn't had the living daylights decalcified out of it. Then dunk the specimen in a container filled with decalcifying solution.
Next day, everything is nice and easy to cut. Any remaining resistance can easily be resolved with a meat cleaver.

 

[KCShaw]

The hard part was/is usually keeping the specimen stabilized, more than having something to cut the bone with. We had an archaic, mean spirited table saw which most people wouldn't risk turning on but a good one with appropriate stabilization methods is great. Most of the time we just used a typical handheld oscillating bone saw. Any of the various hand saws can work fine, again if the specimen is properly stabilized. But, be wary of some of the clamps/vices as they can splinter the bone as you tighten down if you're not careful. Smaller specimens I generally decal after fixation and after doing whatever I need or want to do with the soft tissue but prior to cutting the bone, but of course larger specimens take too long and the peripheral tissue tends to be obliterated in the meantime.

 

[gpcstudent]

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