Blunt wires in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Abstract

he use of wires in maxillofacial surgery is simple, quick, conomical, and minimally invasive.1 However, the sharp nds can lead to a higher than normal number of wire-stick njuries (Fig. 1) with the potential risk of virus-associated iseases and infections such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatiis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV).2 homas et al. reported that anti-HCV was found in 2.0% of ral surgeons, and serological markers of HBV infection in 1.2%.3 Most percutaneous injuries sustained by medical practiioners occur with sharp needles. Over the last 2 decades, dvances in the prevention of accidental needlestick injuries uring operation have included the development of needles ith blunt, tapering points, and this suggests that the use f blunt wires would also reduce the risk of percutaneous njuries (Fig. 1).4 Surgical wires are made of surgical stainless steel, and for edical purposes are delivered as a round bar. The sharp, ut ends can be blunted on a grinding disc but this is timeonsuming and has a high risk of injury. Another method is o cut and blunt the wires using a laser-beam welding system. aser-beam welding, which has high power density (around MW/cm2), can result in the rapid heating and cooling of mall zones. Cutting is done manually with a neodymiumoped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) Dentaurum laser Dentaurum, JP Winkelstroeter KG, Ispringen, Germany) for anual use. The workpiece is positioned under the stereomicroscope f the device. After a short exposure (0.5–20 ms), the wire elts to form beads at the ends (Fig. 2). The wires are held in