[Intraoperative evaluation of surgical correction. Reconstructive interventions on the skeleton with ultrasound...

We present a new 3 D analysis system which allows us to control axial correction in the skeletal system during operation. The method is based on the measurement of the transit time of ultrasound impulses from transmitters to receivers. With a gas sterilised digitiser we are able to record anatomical landmarks within a few seconds and with a high reliability. The results are reproducible with a precision of less than 1 mm. The duration of the whole measurement, including the positioning of the frame for the receivers and the computer aided data analysis, lasts 3 to 5 minutes. This technology enables us to analyse the 3 D body geometry and optimises operative procedures on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it is an addition to intraoperative x-ray control.