Modified right-angled forceps for Gigli's wire saw retrieval during osteotomy.

Sir,

The Gigli's wire saw is routinely used during amputations and osteotomies and the retrieval of the wire saw is done with a variety of instruments such as Kocher's forceps and right-angled artery forceps, etc. As these instruments are not specifically meant for this purpose, both the wire saw loop and the retrieving instruments are bound to get damaged or worn out quickly, thereby decreasing their effectiveness. To avoid this, we devised a modified right-angled forceps that has a slot meant specifically for the saw loop [Figures 1–3]. The angle is also gently curved so as to easily negotiate around the posterior aspect of the bone, followed by easy retrieval of the wire saw loop from one side to the other side of the bone. We used this modified right-angled forceps for fibular osteotomies during mandible reconstruction and found that it was far more efficient than any other instrument in retrieving the Gigli's saw and ensured good longevity of both the Gigli's saw loop as well as the modified right-angled forceps.

Figure 1

Modified right-angled forceps

Figure 3

a: Gigli's saw loop being held precisely in the slot before retrieval

b: Gigli's loop after retrieval on the other side of the bone

(a) Closed jaw view of the gentle right angle and the slot for holding the loop of the Gigli's saw, (b) Open jaw view showing the slot that is wide and deep enough to hold the Gigli's saw loop without crushing it