An Image-Based Augmented Reality System for Achieving Accurate Bone Resection in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Technology
• Computer-Assisted Surgery

Background:

• Advancements in computer-assisted surgery increase the need for technology research in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
• Augmented reality (AR) is a promising technology for enhancing orthopedic surgery precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• The accuracy of image-based AR in TKA has not been previously established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if accurate bone resection is achievable in TKA using image-based AR.
• To evaluate the precision of AR-assisted navigation in TKA surgery.

Main Methods:

• Direct 3D scanning of the femur and tibia replaced traditional CT imaging for bone model creation.
• Preoperative planning involved landmark identification and surgical detail determination.
• Intraoperative markers and a Polaris camera established a local coordinate system for the AR system, minimizing positioning discrepancies.

Main Results:

• AR-assisted surgery demonstrated minimal errors in bone resection depth (average error: 0.32 mm; SD: 0.143) compared to preoperative plans.
• The system effectively minimized discrepancies between the 3D bone model and actual surgical positioning.

Conclusions:

• Image-based AR-assisted navigation accurately guides bone resection in TKA surgery.
• AR navigation enhances accuracy and efficiency in TKA through smart glasses and sensors.
• This technology is expected to achieve widespread acceptance in clinical practice for TKA.