https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2692-0935
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ABSTRACT
Use of histology is the key when evaluation of bone and soft tissue integration of any implanted metallic prosthesis is required. This relies on the ability to prepare very thin sections by grinding down resin embedded samples. Manual grinding has historically been used with variable success, and thus, a number of commercial microgrinders have been previously marketed, however, at a significant cost. The following describes a practical method to 3D print and build a microgrinder construct retrofitted to a metallurgic wheel grinder/polisher previously available. The design files are also supplied, which allow one to implement customized modifications for virtually all types of wheel grinders/polishers circumventing the need to procure highly costly appliances. Recommendations are included on how to safely and reproducibly prepare microscopic sections using the described construct.
Acknowledgments
I am grateful for the support provided by the Telstra Creator Space, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, in the optimization and 3D printing of parts used in this project. Custom miniplate shown in was designed, manufactured and supplied by MAXONIQ, Melbourne, Australia. and all images in were acquired using a Zeiss Axioscan 7 as a part of a larger microscopy project (IMCRC Just-in-time patient-specific bone tumour project) with assistance from Kalyan Shobhana, Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Supplementary material
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01478885.2023.2205617