Development of a robotic navigation and fracture fixation system

Area of Science:

• Surgical Robotics
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Robotic systems are established in surgery but limited to low-force applications.
• Current surgical robots lack the capacity to handle forces exceeding 200 Newtons, required for procedures like fracture fixation.
• Programming complexity and specialist knowledge requirements hinder broader robotic adoption in surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of applying industrial robots to high-force surgical procedures, specifically fracture fixation.
• To identify and evaluate appropriate robotic systems, grippers, ancillary equipment, and navigation systems for heavy-duty surgical applications.
• To address challenges in robot programming for surgical use, exploring languages that do not require specialist knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of robot capabilities, focusing on force exertion and programming.
• Selection and evaluation of industrial robots and associated equipment for high-force surgical tasks.
• Phased implementation plan: initial testing on plastic models, followed by cadaveric studies, type approval, and eventual clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Technical feasibility of applying industrial robots to "heavier" surgical procedures is established.
• Identification of specific robotic systems and ancillary equipment needed for high-force applications is underway.
• Development of a phased research and implementation strategy, from benchtop testing to clinical application.

Conclusions:

• Industrial robots possess the technical capability for high-force surgical applications, such as fracture fixation.
• Overcoming limitations in force capacity and programming accessibility is crucial for successful implementation.
• A systematic research approach involving model testing, cadaveric studies, and clinical trials is necessary for validating these robotic systems.