Developed in 1830 in Würzburg by Bernhard Heine (1800 - 1846), the osteotome was a device designed to make it easier to cut bone, without using a hammer or chisel. The first device was a simple hand-held tool that could be used to carve the skull with greater precision than other types of knives and saws; in fact it was initially used for trepanation, since with it it was possible to drill a hole of any size, in which the dura mater was less easily injured. Subsequently, techniques were developed that made it possible to use this tool at other levels, such as in the bone structures of the arms and legs. The surgeon could therefore resect the bone without splintering it, perform craniotomies with smooth-edged holes without damaging the surrounding tissue. The osteotome has often been used in medical care facilities, as well as on battle fronts for the treatment of patients who required the removal of a portion of bone for their survival. Currently, the use of an evolved form of the device is specifically detected in dentistry.

From a structural point of view, the instrument consists of a chain saw, made up of articulated teeth and driven by a handlebar wheel, so that it can be applied to the bone to be removed.