Proof of concept study for using UR10 robot to help total hip replacement

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Robotics in medicine
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Growing global demand for total hip replacement (THR) due to osteoarthritis.
• Limitations of current robotic THR systems: invasive and high cost.
• Need for accessible and minimally invasive surgical solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a low-cost, minimally invasive robotic system for THR.
• Enhance precision and patient outcomes in hip replacement surgery.
• Provide an alternative to existing expensive robotic platforms.

Main Methods:

• Development of a preliminary robotic reaming system using a UR10 robot.
• Integration of a reamer for acetabulum cutting.
• Novel approach utilizing a 5 mm femoral hole for reduced invasiveness.

Main Results:

• The robotic reaming system achieved an average cutting hemisphere error of 0.1182 mm.
• This accuracy surpasses the average manual reaming error of 0.1301 mm.
• Demonstrated potential for improved precision in acetabular preparation.

Conclusions:

• Robotic reaming enhances the precision and reduces invasiveness of THR procedures.
• The developed system offers a cost-effective alternative to current market offerings.
• Potential to increase adoption of robotic assistance in hip replacement surgery.