Comparison of Tip- Versus Hub-Oscillating Saw Blade Control in a Total Knee Arthroplasty Model

Oscillating saws are commonly used for bone preparation in total knee arthroplasty but can cause injury to the posterior neurovascular bundle during tibial resection. Tip-oscillating saw blades are a recent innovation that could improve saw control due to decreased excursion; however, the tactile feedback to the surgeon is different.

To compare traditional hub and new tip-oscillating saw blades, 16 participants of varying levels of experience were video-recorded during composite tibial bone model resections to measure posterior saw blade plunge. Subjective perceptions of saw control and preference were also surveyed.

Saw blade design and level of surgical experience did not produce a significant difference in posterior saw blade plunge ( P > .05). Independent of saw blade design, subjects with no previous saw experience had significantly decreased posterior tibial plunge over subsequent resections. Tip-oscillating saw blades were perceived to be easier to use and control by less experienced participants ( P = .0163).

Tip-oscillating saw blades do not alter the risk of posterior tibial saw plunge compared with traditional saw blades.