Innovative intraoperative titanium mesh preparation for safer implantation.
Titanium meshes have been extensively used in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The benefits of these titanium implants include being inert, stable, and radiopaque and having good drainage properties. The titanium mesh is cut to shape and bent before implantation, which may give rise to the cut edges being jagged and sharp. This can lead to soft tissue being caught or lacerated by these sharp ends. A change in technique to cut and shape the implant may reduce this problem. The implant should be cut right at the end of the bars flush with the remaining parts of the implant. We present a new and simple method for smoothing these troublesome edges. We use the diathermy scratch pad or tip cleaner, a tool used frequently in every major surgery. This scratch pad can be used as a rasp to smoothen the edges of the titanium mesh once it is cut into shape.
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Health System, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Vigneswaran
V
Nallathamby
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Health System, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Hanjing
H
Lee
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Health System, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Jane
J
Lim
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Health System, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Wei Chen
WC
Ong
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Health System, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Thiam Chye
TC
Lim
cut to shape; file edges; scratch pad; sharp edges; tip cleaner; titanium mesh