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'''Trephine''' is a surgical instrument with a cylindrical blade. It can be used in various procedures to remove a circular section of bone or tissue. The term "trephine" originates from the Greek word "trypanon", meaning "to bore".  
{{Short description|A surgical instrument used in ancient times for cutting out circular sections of bone.}}
 
== Trephine ==
 
[[File:Ancientgreek_surgical.jpg|thumb|right|Ancient Greek surgical instruments, including a trephine.]]
 
A '''trephine''' is a surgical instrument with a cylindrical blade, used for cutting out a circular section of bone or other tissue. The term is often associated with the practice of [[trepanation]], an ancient surgical intervention in which a hole is drilled or scraped into the human skull.


== History ==
== History ==
The use of trephines dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of trephination found in ancient cultures around the world. The procedure was often performed for religious or magical reasons, and was believed to cure various ailments, such as [[headaches]], [[epilepsy]], and [[mental disorders]]. In modern medicine, trephines are used in a variety of surgical procedures, including [[biopsies]], [[craniotomies]], and [[corneal transplantations]].


== Design ==
The use of trephines dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of trepanation found in ancient cultures around the world, including [[Ancient Greece]], [[Egypt]], and [[Mesoamerica]]. The practice was believed to treat various ailments, such as [[headaches]], [[epilepsy]], and [[mental disorders]], by relieving pressure or releasing evil spirits.
A trephine typically consists of a handle attached to a cylindrical blade. The blade can be hollow, allowing for the removal of a core of tissue, or solid, for the removal of a disk of bone or tissue. Some trephines also include a guide pin in the center of the blade to help stabilize the instrument during use.
 
In ancient Greece, trephines were part of a surgeon's toolkit, as depicted in various historical texts and archaeological findings. The instrument was typically made of bronze or iron and featured a sharp, circular blade designed to cut through bone.
 
== Design and Function ==
 
Trephines are characterized by their cylindrical shape and sharp, serrated edges. The design allows for precise removal of a circular section of bone, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The instrument often includes a central pin or guide to stabilize the trephine during the procedure, ensuring accuracy and control.
 
In modern medicine, trephines are still used, albeit with more advanced materials and techniques. They are commonly employed in [[neurosurgery]] and [[orthopedic surgery]] for procedures such as [[bone biopsy]] and [[craniotomy]].
 
== Modern Applications ==


== Uses ==
While the basic principle of the trephine remains unchanged, contemporary versions are made from high-grade stainless steel and are often used in conjunction with power tools for increased precision and efficiency. Modern trephines are used in various medical fields, including:
Trephines are used in a variety of medical procedures. In [[neurosurgery]], they can be used to perform a craniotomy, a procedure in which a section of the skull is removed to access the brain. In [[orthopedics]], they can be used to take bone biopsies or to create a hole in the bone for the insertion of a screw or pin. In [[ophthalmology]], they can be used to perform a corneal transplantation, a procedure in which a diseased or damaged cornea is replaced with a donor cornea.


== Risks ==
* '''Neurosurgery''': For creating access points in the skull during brain surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, the use of a trephine carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues. The specific risks can vary depending on the procedure and the patient's overall health.
* '''Ophthalmology''': In corneal transplant procedures, where a trephine is used to cut a circular section of the cornea.
* '''Dentistry''': For removing sections of bone during dental implant procedures.


== See also ==
== Related pages ==
* [[Craniotomy]]
* [[Biopsy]]
* [[Corneal transplantation]]


[[Category:Medical instruments]]
* [[Trepanation]]
[[Category:Surgical procedures]]
* [[Neurosurgery]]
[[Category:History of medicine]]
* [[Surgical instrument]]
* [[Ancient Greek medicine]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Surgical instruments]]
[[Category:Ancient Greek medicine]]

Latest revision as of 12:00, 15 February 2025

A surgical instrument used in ancient times for cutting out circular sections of bone.


Trephine[edit]

Ancient Greek surgical instruments, including a trephine.

A trephine is a surgical instrument with a cylindrical blade, used for cutting out a circular section of bone or other tissue. The term is often associated with the practice of trepanation, an ancient surgical intervention in which a hole is drilled or scraped into the human skull.

History[edit]

The use of trephines dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of trepanation found in ancient cultures around the world, including Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesoamerica. The practice was believed to treat various ailments, such as headaches, epilepsy, and mental disorders, by relieving pressure or releasing evil spirits.

In ancient Greece, trephines were part of a surgeon's toolkit, as depicted in various historical texts and archaeological findings. The instrument was typically made of bronze or iron and featured a sharp, circular blade designed to cut through bone.

Design and Function[edit]

Trephines are characterized by their cylindrical shape and sharp, serrated edges. The design allows for precise removal of a circular section of bone, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The instrument often includes a central pin or guide to stabilize the trephine during the procedure, ensuring accuracy and control.

In modern medicine, trephines are still used, albeit with more advanced materials and techniques. They are commonly employed in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery for procedures such as bone biopsy and craniotomy.

Modern Applications[edit]

While the basic principle of the trephine remains unchanged, contemporary versions are made from high-grade stainless steel and are often used in conjunction with power tools for increased precision and efficiency. Modern trephines are used in various medical fields, including:

  • Neurosurgery: For creating access points in the skull during brain surgery.
  • Ophthalmology: In corneal transplant procedures, where a trephine is used to cut a circular section of the cornea.
  • Dentistry: For removing sections of bone during dental implant procedures.

Related pages[edit]