Clinical comparative evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction supported by an orthopedic surgical simulation system.

OBJECTIVE

This study utilizes self-developed BioMxsf software to establish a virtual surgical system that assists in the surgical process of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction through a three-dimensional imaging model of the knee joint. Introducing these technical methods can provide insights and references to improve ACL reconstruction in clinical practice.

METHODS

After scanning the knee joint data of patients and importing it into the BioMxsf software, a three-dimensional image model of the knee joint was created. A virtual surgical system was established to support the operational process of ACL reconstruction surgery. The ACL reconstruction surgery was performed on patients with the assistance of the virtual surgical system.

RESULTS

The average surgical time for the BioMxsf simulation group (BSG) was 97.7 ± 8.5 min. In contrast, the surgical time for the conventional surgery group (CSG) was 107.4 ± 7.8 min, indicating a significant reduction in surgery duration (P ≤ 0.014, Chi-square test). In terms of functional scores, the CSG had a score of 81.4 ± 3.14. In contrast, the BSG scored 84.97 ± 3.97, demonstrating that patients in the BSG had better postoperative knee function than those in the CSG, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.016). Although the functional scores reached statistical significance, they were below the reported minimal clinically important difference and are unlikely to be clinically meaningful.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the clinical feasibility of a virtual surgical system to assist ACL reconstruction. The virtual surgical system significantly reduced operative time and enhanced ACL reconstruction's safety.