Modular Jig and Projector System to Align Cuts for Bone Repair Surgery

Background

In orthopedic surgery, accurately replicating preoperative plans during actual procedures is a significant challenge. Surgeons typically rely on preoperative imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to create a 3D digital reconstruction of the patient's bone and develop a detailed surgical plan. However, translating these digital plans into precise surgical actions is fraught with difficulties. Traditional methods involve using physical tools like rulers and mechanical jigs, and estimating positions based on visible or palpable landmarks, which often results in inaccuracies. These inaccuracies can lead to suboptimal surgical outcomes, as the exact cutting planes and angles determined preoperatively are hard to replicate precisely during surgery. Additionally, the current methods for aligning and positioning surgical tools and jigs are cumbersome and time-consuming, often requiring repeated adjustments and intraoperative imaging, which exposes patients and staff to additional radiation and increases the cost and complexity of the procedure.

Technology

A surgical system for conducting bone surgery includes a camera to capture images and/or video, a projector to project light, and a controller that communicates with both the camera and projector. The controller tracks bone movement in real-time during surgery using the images and/or video from the camera. It controls the projector to project a cutting line on the bone, indicating the precise cutting plane for the surgery. The system also utilizes a marker attached to the bone, which includes a tracking component with a two-dimensional pattern or reflective features that the camera can recognize to monitor bone movement. The marker also has a registration component that, when scanned, helps determine the marker's position relative to the bone. The system can project alignment lines to guide the placement of a jig, ensuring accurate bone cuts as planned preoperatively. The projected lines adjust in real-time to account for any bone movement during the procedure, ensuring precision in surgical cuts.

Advantages

Higher Precision Bone Cutting - Reduction in Intraoperative Imaging - Real-time Adjustments - Enhanced Registration Accuracy - Cost-Effective Customization - Versatility in Jig Design - Improved Surgical Workflow - Non-Invasive Registration Options - Minimized Surgical Errors - Reduced Need for Large Equipment