Components of Podiatry Burs
Burs are made of three different components with each playing a vital role in the functionality and longevity of the bur.
There are three main parts to learn about. Use the links to jump to the section you’re interested in!
Read on to learn about each part!
The Bur Shank
The shank or shaft of a bur is the base which holds the neck and head of the bur in place.
They should be of stainless steel composition (to prevent rusting) and exactly 2.35mm in diameter.
Even the smallest of variations in shank diameter can cause the bur to ‘slip’ when in use, causing strain on your drill. Cheap burs often have a shank that varies in diameter which means there is limited surface area for your drill to ‘grip’ the bur.
The Bur Collar
The collar of the bur serves a dual purpose – is the interface between the head and shank of the bur and it can also prevent the bur from entering too far within some Podiatry drill models.
Make sure that you’re aware of the bur design requirements of your drill before you decide to try different burs!
The Bur Head
This is where the action is! The head of the bur is a very important component that must achieve synergy between the various properties it possesses. The shape, composition and cutting pattern all impact the performance of the bur in the clinic.
There are a wide range of Bur head compositions such as:
There are also a large number of shapes and designs to consider such as:
- ‘Cutter’ burs
- Dot shaped burs
- Flame shaped burs
When you’re selecting the right bur for our Podiatry clinic, make sure you look at the bur in its entirety. The devil is in the details and you should be sure to pay attention to all of the details of the burs being used in your clinic.