Imaging, post-processing and navigation: Surgical applications in pelvic fracture treatment

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Digital Health

Background:

• Recent advancements in imaging and visualization have significantly improved trauma care.
• Digital imaging technology has transformed fracture management processes.
• The digital revolution in trauma surgery is ongoing, with optical tracking navigation as the current standard for implant placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel planning tool for safe sacroiliac screw placement in trauma surgery.
• To explore the potential of digital technology in enhancing safety for non-navigated screw placement.
• To investigate the impact of digital transformation on pelvic fracture diagnostics and surgical management.

Main Methods:

• Development of a planning tool to create a semi-transparent, intraoperative "fluoroscopic-like" image from preoperative data.
• Utilizing the "vestibule concept" for guided screw placement.
• Employing the "para-axial fusion technique" for preoperative planning of fluoroscopic views from 3D datasets.

Main Results:

• The developed planning tool acts as a map for safe sacroiliac screw placement, potentially matching the safety of navigated procedures.
• Improved visualization technology enhances understanding of pelvic anatomy for safer percutaneous screw placement.
• Digital tools offer potential for improved safety in screw placement without optical tracking navigation.

Conclusions:

• Digital transformation is revolutionizing trauma surgery, particularly in pelvic fracture management.
• New planning tools and visualization techniques improve safety and understanding in screw placement.
• Future integration of artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise for automated analysis and enhanced standard of care in trauma surgery.