Full-scale 3D preoperative planning system for calcaneal osteotomy with a multimedia system

This study presents a new computer-assisted surgical planning and simulating system that employs a multimedia environment for calcaneal osteotomy surgery. The system uses a full-scale computer-assisted engineering technique for designing and developing preoperative planning modules. The planning system not only presents a real-sized 3-dimensional (3D) image of the calcaneus, but also provides detailed interior measurements of the calcaneus from various cutting planes. The multimedia user interface integrates the function of different software programs in order to plan and simulate the operation. These functions include 3D image model capturing, sectioning, translocation, rotating, and measuring relevant foot anatomy, all of which can be integrated and used for surgical planning, as well as for future study and discussion. Furthermore, because the system is computer based with a multimedia user interface, surgeons can use it to explore the optimal operative procedure. The system also has a databank that can be updated and expanded, and can be used to provide clinical cases to different users for education and training.

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