Preoperative Planning of Orthopedic Procedures using Digitalized Software Systems

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Imaging Technology

Background:

• The transition from celluloid films to digital technology necessitated advancements in surgical planning tools.
• Preoperative planning is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes in various orthopedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe preoperative digitalized software programs and their applications in surgical preparation.
• To highlight the benefits of these digital tools in orthopedic procedures.

Main Methods:

• A PubMed search was conducted using keywords: "digitalized software programs," "preoperative planning," and "total joint arthroplasty" for English publications from 1989 to 2014.
• Reviewed studies focused on preoperative planning in orthopedic procedures.

Main Results:

• Digitalized software programs can import and export Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) files, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
• Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D CT scans demonstrate high preoperative accuracy for predicting implant size.
• These programs offer a short learning curve, user-friendly interface, and accurate implant size prediction.

Conclusions:

• Digitalized software programs are valuable for preoperative planning in total joint replacement, fracture fixation, limb deformity repair, and pediatric skeletal disorders.
• Advantages include decreased implant stock requirements and low-cost maintenance.
• These tools facilitate efficient and accurate surgical preparation.