The Osteopower Modular Surgical Handpiece System is an electrically-driven handpiece marketed by the Osteomed Corporation. The Osteopower System consists of the 2i Power Control Console that can sequentially power up to two electrical motor units. Each of the motor units can be used with ten different handpiece attachments (1:1 Straight Drill, 1:1 Contra Angle Drill, 18:1 Contra Angle Drill, 100:1 Contra Angle Drill, Reciprocating Saw, Sagittal Saw, Oscillating Saw, VRO Saw, and Wire/Pin Driver). The microprocessor-controlled power control console offers six power levels and also powers an optional, integrated irrigation pump that is designed to provide sterile irrigation directly from the handpiece. The Osteopower Modular Motor Unit contains a sealed, brushless motor with a permanently attached power cord. The motor unit is available in two versions: one that is hand-activated and one that is controlled by a foot pedal. The hand-controlled handpiece has touchpad-type pressure controls, which eliminate the need for a traditional control lever. This purportedly improves surgical site access and visibility. Another reported advantage of the handpiece controls is that they allow the user to easily control the speed, direction, and speed percentage of the motor entirely from the handpiece. If operators prefer foot-pedal control, a bi-directional foot switch is available that controls the handpiece speed and permits speed-feathering for delicate procedures.
For exodontic procedures, the 1:1 Straight and Contra Angle Drills offer a speed range of 0-70,000 RPM. For safe operation and control, the power console's microprocessor features specially-designed circuitry that is supposed to brake the speed of the motor from 70,000 to 0 RPM in 0.1 seconds. Osteomed's latest straight drill, the 777, is said to contain an "auto-lock" mechanism that secures the bur in the event that the bur has not been properly locked prior to operation. Furthermore, the 777 is advertised to be the first surgical straight handpiece that functions without a distal bearing assembly, which has been reported to cause burns to patients during surgical procedures.
This electrically-powered handpiece system can be configured with a variety of components that support a wide range of surgical procedures. The product met all electrical safety standards and was found to be easy to assemble and operate. The system has an intelligent, safety-featured engineering design that allows for efficient operation and control. Function-specific connectors simplify set-up of the unit while preventing improper power cord connections to power console. Handpiece connectors are color-coded to for proper coupling and connectors are positive locked, which prevents disconnection during use. Integral safety modes prevent inadvertant handpiece activation. The unit allows two surgical handpieces to be operated sequentially and allows bi-directional handpiece use. Foot switch controls can be arranged in tandem, allowing control from both sides of an operating room table. The Contra Angle Drill enhances access to the surgical site and accepts all standard latch-type dental burs. The “777” straight drill design does not contain distal bearings, which can cause patient burns, and features an auto-locking mechanism that safely holds unsecured burs upon motor activation. The sealed, brushless motor unit should tolerate sterilization better than other motor designs and no obvious negative effects of autoclaving were noted during evaluation. Optional autoclave trays are available to minimize corrosion and allow quick drainage. The Operating Instructions and Maintenance Manual is easy to read and complete with detailed graphics, and the one year warranty includes all components, including the Contra Angle Drill and irrigation components.
The Straight Drill attachments accept only proprietary Osteomed burs, and Osteomed cutting tools are designed for single-use only--they are not recommended for sterilization or reuse. The irrigation system is difficult to set up and use, and proprietary Osteomed irrigation tubing must be used with the optional handpiece irrigation feature. Use is contraindicated in the presence of flammable gasses and anesthetics. The manufacturer’s recommended usage time (duty-cycle) parameters are unrealistic and impractical.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
Review Synopsis
Product
Osteopower 2i Modular Surgical Handpiece System
The Good
Supports a wide range of surgical procedures. Easy to assemble and operate. Safety-featured engineering design. Sealed, brushless motors for better sterilization tolerance. Impressive control, power, and torque.
The Bad
Irrigation system is cumbersome. Straight Drill only accepts proprietary burs.
The Bottom Line
Versatile; easy to assemble and operate with impressive control, power and torque.