The thermal effects of skeletal fixation-pin insertion in bone.

In human-cadaver cortical bone, we measured the maximum temperatures and the durations of temperatures in excess of 55 degrees Celsius during experimental insertion of five types of external skeletal-immobilization pins. Drill speed, pin-point design, and predrilling were the variables examined. Drill speed was found to have an effect on the maximum temperature and the duration of temperatures in excess of 55 degrees Celsius only in the immediate vicinity of the hole. Pinpoint design was a more significant factor, and predrilling was highly effective as a method of minimizing temperature elevation.