Reciprocating Bone Saw: Effect of Blade Speed on Cutting Rate

Abstract

Power reciprocating saws are used in surgical procedures to cut bone. Improved cutting rates are desirable in order to reduce operative time and improve patient outcome. A fixture was developed to test the effect of blade speed on cutting rate of bovine cortical bone. It was hypothesized that the volumetric cutting rate would increase in a linear manner for a fixed stroke length and a constant thrust force. A 7.0 N thrust force was applied. The reciprocating stroke length was held constant at 3.0 mm. Using an 18 TPI blade, cutting rate was determined to increase in a slightly non-linear manner, with disproportionately higher cutting rate at higher blade speeds. The data implies that a higher reciprocating frequency may invoke more efficient cutting.