Conception of a navigation system controlling diaphyseal fracture reduction treated with external fixation.

BACKGROUND

The reduction of long bone fractures treated with external fixation is usually performed with fluoroscopic images, which include several disadvantages: 2D information, distortions, and irradiation to the patient and the surgical team. This article presents a new navigation technique to control the reduction of such fractures while minimizing the irradiation.

METHODS

Optically tracked markers are fixed to pins inserted into the bone fragments. These last are modelled using two initial calibrated radiographs. The models can be improved with several types of anatomical data and are displayed in real time.

RESULTS

This navigation system was tested on dry bones and an anatomical specimen leg.

CONCLUSIONS

This new technique allows the visualization of the fracture in real time and from any viewpoint during the reduction. Irradiation is minimized using only two X-ray images.