Piezoelectric bone surgery works on the basis of ultrasound. A necessity in oral and maxillofacial surgeries is to get proper access to the area which needs treatment. The access is made possible by cutting bones, traditionally using power-driven high-speed bone cutting instruments. However, as these generate heat, a risk of damage to the bone and surrounding areas exists. Therefore the piezoelectric bone surgery method which mitigates these risks is important. It involves cutting the area with ultrasonic vibrations of metallic tips without harming the soft tissues. This is also equipped with heat dissipating saline solution. The metallic blade vibrates within a suitable range which allows clean cutting with precision. This is especially suitable for children, sinus surgeries, sinus grating, or treating any area of concern close to vessels or soft tissue. The method is useful because of its precision.

At KEM hospital we have used this method to treat a rare case wherein a three month old baby had both jaws fused (‘Syngnathia’). The baby was unable to open her mouth, unable to eat. In this challenging surgery, we cut the unwanted bone using the piezoelectric method. A second surgery was essential to remove fibrosis. Similarly, we have removed a tumour in the lower jaw of a seven year old using the same technique.