Objective: To assess the relative sharpness of osteotomes after multiple uses, routine maintenance, and sharpening.
Methods: This prospective clinical study and mechanical model quantified the relative sharpness of identical osteotomes at baseline; after 3, 6, and 9 uses; and after sharpening techniques compared with osteotomes from hospital central supply. The Instron universal tester developed a force-displacement curve as the osteotome blade cut a standardized suture. Force required to cut the suture is inversely proportional to osteotome sharpness.
Results: For osteotomes 1, 2, and 3, dullness occurred after 9 uses (4.836 lb; P < .001), 6 uses (4.431 lb; P < .005), and 3 uses (4.093 lb; P < .02), respectively. Osteotome 1 was professionally sharpened after 9 uses and retested (3.156 lb); results were similar to those for an osteotome used 6 times (3.160 lb). Additional sharpening showed significantly poorer performance (7.737 lb; P < .001 at baseline and after 9 uses). Osteotome 3 was hand sharpened after 6 uses and retested (7.750 lb; baseline P < .001). Two osteotomes from central supply required almost twice the cutting force relative to the senior author's osteotomes.
Conclusions: Although osteotome performance decreased significantly over time, professional sharpening only achieved results similar to an osteotome used 3 to 6 times. Further resharpening seems detrimental to performance. Surgeons may want to consider osteotomes disposable instruments.