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Automated fit quantification of tibial nail designs during the insertion using computer three-dimensional modelling
Jayani P Amarathunga1, Michael A Schuetz2, Prasad Kvd Yarlagadda3
1Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Summary
Developing a new software tool for tibial nail design, this study found that better-fitting nails are easier to insert. This innovation aids in reducing stress fractures and malalignments in patients undergoing intramedullary nailing.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomechanical engineering
- Medical device design
Background:
- Intramedullary nailing is the standard treatment for tibial diaphyseal fractures.
- Optimal nail design requires a balance between ease of insertion and anatomical fit.
- Current limitations exist in software for automated nail design assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a software tool for automated assessment of intramedullary tibial nail fit.
- To evaluate if improved nail fit correlates with easier insertion.
- To validate the utility of the developed software for implant design.
Main Methods:
- Developed custom software for automated fit assessment of tibial nail designs.
- Utilized 3D models of two nail designs and 20 tibiae.
- Quantified nail fit using surface area and maximum distance parameters during simulated insertion.
Main Results:
- The Expert Tibial Nail Proximal bend showed significantly less misfit during insertion compared to the Expert Tibial Nail.
- Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed across four fitting parameters.
- The developed software successfully quantified nail fit at defined increment levels.
Conclusions:
- A better anatomical fit of intramedullary nails in the tibia is associated with easier insertion.
- The developed software tool provides a valuable method for validating and optimizing tibial nail designs.
- This technology can assist manufacturers in designing improved intramedullary nails, potentially reducing surgical complications.
