Analyzing shoulder kinematics is challenging as the shoulder is comprised of a complex group of multiple highly mobile joints. Unlike at the elbow or knee which has a primary flexion/extension axis, both primary shoulder joints (glenohumeral and scapulothoracic) have a large range of motion (ROM) in all three directions. As such, there are six degrees of freedom (DoF) in the shoulder joints (three translations and three rotations), and all these parameters need to be defined to fully describe shoulder motion. Despite the importance of glenohumeral and scapulothoracic coordination, it's the glenohumeral joint that is most studied in the shoulder. Additionally, the limited research on the scapulothoracic primarily focuses on planar motion such as abduction or flexion. However, more complex motions, such as internally rotating to the back, are rarely studied despite the importance for activities of daily living. A technique for analyzing shoulder kinematics which uses 4DCT has been developed and validated and will be used to conduct analysis. The objective of this study is to characterize glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion during active internal rotation to the back, in a healthy young population, using a novel 4DCT approach.

Eight male participants over 18 with a healthy shoulder ROM were recruited. For the dynamic scan, participants performed internal rotation to the back. For this motion, the hand starts on the abdomen and is moved around the torso up the back as far as possible, unconstrained to examine variability in motion pathway. Bone models were made from the dynamic scans and registered to neutral models, from a static scan, to calculate six DoF kinematics. The resultant kinematic pathways measured over the entire motion were used to calculate the ROM for each DoF.

Results indicate that anterior tilting is the most important DoF of the scapula, the participants all followed similar paths with low variation. Conversely, it appears that protraction/retraction of the scapula is not as important for internally rotating to the back; not only was the ROM the lowest, but the pathways had the highest variation between participants. Regarding glenohumeral motion, internal rotation was by far the DoF with the highest ROM, but there was also high variation in the pathways. Summation of ROM values revealed an average glenohumeral to scapulothoracic ratio of 1.8:1, closely matching the common 2:1 ratio other studies have measured during abduction.

Due to the unconstrained nature of the motion, the complex relationship between the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints leads to high variation in kinematic pathways. The shoulder has redundant degrees of freedom, the same end position can result from different joint angles and positions. Therefore, some individuals might rely more on scapular motion while others might utilize primarily humeral motion to achieve a specific movement. More analysis needs to be done to identify if any direct correlations can be drawn between scapulothoracic and glenohumeral DoF. Analyzing the kinematics of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joint throughout motion will further improve understanding of shoulder mechanics and future work plans to examine differences with age.

A primary goal of revision Total Knee Arthroplasty (rTKA) is restoration of the Joint Line (JL) and Posterior Condylar Offsets (PCO). The presence of a native contralateral joint allows JL and PCO to be inferred in a way that could account for patient-specific anatomical variations more accurately than current techniques. This study assesses bilateral distal femoral symmetry in the context of defining targets for restoration of JL and PCO in rTKA.

566 pre-operative CTs for bilateral TKAs were segmented and landmarked by two engineers. Landmarks were taken on both femurs at the medial and lateral epicondyles, distal and posterior condyles and hip and femoral centres. These landmarks were used to calculate the distal and posterior offsets on the medial and lateral sides (MDO, MPO, LDO, LPO respectively), the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), TEA to PCA angle (TEAtoPCA) and anatomic to mechanical axis angle (AAtoMA). Mean bilateral differences in these measures were calculated and cases were categorised according to the amount of asymmetry.

The database analysed included 54.9% (311) females with a mean population age of 68.8 (±7.8) years. The mean bilateral difference for each measure was: LDFA 1.4° (±1.0), TEAtoPCA 1.3° (±0.9), AAtoMA 0.5° (±0.5), MDO 1.4mm (±1.1), MPO 1.0mm (±0.8). The categorisation of asymmetry for each measure was: LDFA had 39.9% of cases with <1° bilateral difference and 92.4% with <3° bilateral difference, TEAtoPCA had 45.8% <1° and 96.6% <3°, AAtoMA had 85.7% <1° and 99.8% <3°, MDO had 46.2% <1mm and 90.3% <3mm, MPO had 57.0% <1mm and 97.9% <3mm.

This study presents evidence supporting bilateral distal femoral symmetry. Using the contralateral anatomy to obtain estimates for JL and PCO in rTKA may result in improvements in intraoperative accuracy compared to current techniques and a more patient specific solution to operative planning.

Our aim was to use CT Scanogram to evaluate fibular growth, and thus calculate normal growth velocity, which may aid in determining the timing of epiphysiodesis. Current understanding of normal lower limb growth and growth prediction originates in the work of Anderson et al published in the 1960s. There now exist several clinical and mathematical methods to aid in the treatment of leg length discrepancy, including the timing of epiphysiodesis. Early research in this area provided limited information on the growth of the fibula. It is now well recognized that abnormal growth of paired long bones may evolve into deformity of clinical significance. Existing work examining fibular growth used plain film radiography only. Computed Tomography (CT) scanogram is now the preferred method for evaluating leg length discrepancy in the paediatric population. We calculated fibular growth for 28 children (n = 28, 16 girls and 12 boys) presenting with leg length discrepancy to our unit. Mean age at presentation was 111.1 months (range 33 – 155 months). For inclusion, each child had to have at least five CT scanograms performed, at six monthly intervals. Fibular length was calculated digitally as the distance from the proximal edge of the proximal epiphysis to the most distal edge of the distal epiphysis. For calculation purposes, mean fibular length was determined from two measurements taken of the fibula. A graph for annual fibular growth was plotted and fibular growth velocity calculated. CT Scanogram may be used to calculate normal fibular growth in children presenting with leg length discrepancy

Introduction. A femoral rotational alignment is one of the essential factors, affecting the postoperative knee balance and patellofemoral tracking in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To obtain an adequate alignment, the femoral component must be implanted parallel to the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA). We have developed “a superimposable Computed Tomography (CT) scan-based template”, in which the SEA is drawn on a distal femoral cross section of the CT image at the assumed bone resection level, to determine the precise SEA. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the rotational alignment of the femoral component positioned with the superimposed template in TKA. Patients and methods. Twenty-six consecutive TKA patients, including 4 females with bilateral TKAs were enrolled. To prepare a template, all knees received CT scans with a 2.5 mm slice thickness preoperatively. Serial three slices of the CT images, in which the medial epicondyle and/or lateral epicondyle were visible, were selected. Then, these images were merged into a single image onto which the SEA was drawn. Thereafter, another serial two CT images, which were taken at approximately 9 mm proximal from the femoral condyles, were also selected, and the earlier drawn SEA was traced onto each of these pictures. These pictures with the SEA were then printed out onto transparent sheets to be used as potential “templates” (Fig. 1-a). In the TKA, the distal femur was resected with the modified measured resection technique. Then, one template, whichever of the two potential templates, was closer to the actual shape, was selected and its SEA was duplicated onto the distal femoral surface (Fig. 1-b). Following that, the distal femur was resected parallel to this SEA. The rotational alignment of the femoral component was evaluated with CT scan postoperatively. For convention, an external rotation of the femoral component from the SEA was given a positive numerical value, and an internal rotation was given a negative numerical value. Results. The subjects were 4 knees in 4 males and 26 knees in 22 females. A mean age (for 30 knees) at the operation was 76.7 ± 6.1 years (range from 66.4 to 88.3). The posterior condylar angle was −0.27 ± 1.43, and the outlier, more than 3 degrees, was 1 case. Discussion. Conventionally, the SEA is palpated intraoperatively, however, the sulcus of the medial condyle sometimes cannot be identified precisely in osteoarthritic degeneration at the medial condyle. Also, the SEA is determined from the posterior condylar axis (PCA) by calculating the posterior condylar angle, which is between the SEA and the PCA, with the measurements from the preoperative CT scan. However, the residual cartilage thickness is not considered in this method, and thus, the SEA is possible to be inaccurate. The simple technology of our template allowed us to determine the SEA directly on the femoral surface, without any influence from bone degeneration. The femoral components could be implanted accurately, and therefore, the superimposed template was considered to improve TKA outcomes with the accurate SEA

Anterior lumbar inter-body fusion (ALIF) is a surgical procedure that is available to chronic lower back pain patients who fail to respond to conservative treatments. Failure to achieve fusion may result in persistence of pain. Fusion of the lumber vertebral segment is more accurately assessed using fine-cut helical Computed tomography (CT) scans (0.25 mm thickness slices). Unfortunately this technique exposes the body to high radiation dose with hazard of increase risk of late malignancy. An alternative imaging tool is radiostereometry (RSA) which developed as a means to determine the magnitude of relative motion between two rigid bodies. In this study we used RSA to detect movement at the fused lumbar segment (ALIF site) during flexion and extension and compare the results obtained with fine-cut helical CT scan using histopathology as final gold standard assessment tool. ALIF of three levels of lumbar spine (L1-L2, L3-L4, and L5-L6) was done in 9 sheep. The sheep divided into three groups (3sheep each). The first group had RSA assessment immediately, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The second group had RSA immediately, 3, 6, 9 months after surgery. The third group had an RSA immediately, 3, 6, 9, 12 months after surgery All the animals were humanly killed immediately after having the last scheduled RSA (group1, group2, and group 3 sheep were killed 6 month, 9month and 12 months after surgery respectively). This followed by in vitro fine cut CT and histopathology after the animals are scarified. Micro CT scan has been also used to identify the area where histopathology slide should be made to pick up fusion. Fine cut CT scan assessment for all sheep were done. The CT scan has been reported by two independent radiologists. Histopathology has been started and will finish in 2 weeks. RSA showed there was significant increasing stiffness of the spine though the fused segments as the time pass on compare to immediate postoperative assessment. CT scan were done and showed variable fusion though out the spinal segments. Histopathology of all sheep has been started and the results will be available in 2 weeks which will be followed by statistical assessment to decide how accurate RSA compare to CT scan in assessment of fusion

Robotic-assisted technology in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to increase implantation accuracy, with real-time data being used to estimate intraoperative component alignment. Postoperatively, Perth computed tomography (CT) protocol is a valid measurement technique in determining both femoral and tibial component alignments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative component alignment by robotic-assisted TKA through CT validation. A total of 33 patients underwent TKA using the MAKO robotic-assisted TKA system. Intraoperative measurements of both femoral and tibial component placements, as well as limb alignment as determined by the MAKO software were recorded. Independent postoperative Perth CT protocol was obtained (n.29) and compared with intraoperative values. Mean absolute difference between intraoperative and postoperative measurements for the femoral component were 1.17 degrees (1.10) in the coronal plane, 1.79 degrees (1.12) in the sagittal plane, and 1.90 degrees (1.88) in the transverse plane. Mean absolute difference between intraoperative and postoperative measurements for the tibial component were 1.03 degrees (0.76) in the coronal plane and 1.78 degrees (1.20) in the sagittal plane. Mean absolute difference of limb alignment was 1.29 degrees (1.25), with 93.10% of measurements within 3 degrees of postoperative CT measurements. Overall, intraoperatively measured component alignment as estimated by the MAKO robotic-assisted TKA system is comparable to CT-based measurements.

In total knee arthroplasty, polyethylene wear has been a major cause of revision surgery. However, it is sometimes difficult to determine the time of revision surgery in elderly people due to their concomitant diseases. Therefore, the brace for measuring polyethylene wear under computed tomography was developed.

Surgical navigation requires an accurate, stable transformation between the tracking system and reference images. This study was the design and evaluation of an additively manufactured calibrator with an integrated verification tool, used to register cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image volume to electromagnetic (EM) tracking.

An Aurora EM system was used to track both the calibrator and a surgical probe. Intraoperative CBCT images were acquired with a GE Innova 4100 scanner. The calibrator incorporated 7 tantalum beads, a 6DOF EM sensor, and 7 through-holes for calibrator verification. The calibrator was characterised using the beads and averaged EM reading in 10 poses.

Target Registration Error (TRE) estimation used a device with 14 beads and 18 through-holes. For verification, the probe was placed in each path and the axis and tip location measured relative to the calibrator. This verification task took about 45s. Axial error was the angle between the probed paths and designed axes; translation error was the shortest distance between these lines.

The translation TRE was 3.14±0.96 mm and the angular TRE was 1.7±0.7 degrees, which is consistent with published EM evaluations. The validation axes had an inter-line distance of 0.9±0.78 mm and an axial difference of 1.1±0.7 degrees. The verification errors were smaller than TRE because of the different mathematical formulation. Although the verification calculation was not exactly a tracking error, it provided an alternative quantitative assessment of registration accuracy. This integrated intra-operative registration verification minimises modifications to the surgical workflow and these results demonstrated highly accurate orientation tracking in a surgical environment.

Aim

To asses the accuracy of total knee replacements performed using CT based patient specific instrumentation by postoperative CT scan.

Introduction

The number of complex revision total hip arthroplasties (THA) is predicted to rise. The identification of acetabular bone defects prior to revision THA has important implications on technique and complexity of acetabular reconstruction. Paprosky et al. proposed a classification system including 3 main types with up to 3 subtypes focused on the integrity of the superior rim of the acetabulum and medial wall. However, the classification system is complex and its reliability has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different radiologic imaging modalities (plain radiographs, 2-D CT, 3-D CT reconstructions) in classifying acetabular defects in revision hip arthroplasty cases and their value of at different levels of orthopaedic training.

Osteophytes are bony spurs on normal bone that develop as an adaptive reparative process due to excessive stress at/near a joint. As osteophytes develop from normal bone, they are not always well depicted in common imaging techniques (e.g. CT, MRI). This creates a challenge for preoperative planning and image-guided surgical methods that are commonly incorporated in the clinical routine of orthopaedic surgery.

The study examined the accuracy of osteophyte detection in clinical CT and MRI scans of varying types of joints.

The investigation was performed on fresh-frozen ex-vivo human resected joints identified as having a high potential for presentation of osteophytes. The specimens underwent varying imaging protocols for CT scanning and clinical protocols for MRI. After dissection of the joint, the specimens were subjected to structured 3D light scanning to establish a reference model of the anatomy. Scans from the imaging protocols were segmented and their 3D models were co-registered to the light scanner models. The quality of the osteophyte images were evaluated by determining the Root Mean Square (RMS) error between the segmented osteophyte models and the light scan model.

The mean RMS errors for CT and MRI scanning were 1.169mm and 1.419mm, respectively. Comparing the different CT parameters, significance was achieved with scanning at 120kVp and 1.25mm slice thickness to depict osteophytes; significance was also apparent at a lower voltage (100kVp).

Preliminary results demonstrate that osteophyte detection may be dependent on the degree of calcification of the osteophyte. They also illustrate that while some imaging parameters were more favourable than others, a more accurate osteophyte depiction may result from the combination of both MRI and CT scanning.

Objective

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the femoral component influences leg length inequality and gait, and is associated with poor muscle strength and other unsatisfactory long-term results. We have therefore used intraoperative radiographs to acquire accurate measurements of femoral component size and position. At the last meeting of this society, we reported that accurate positioning was successfully achieved in 68 cases (87.2%) as a consequence of taking intraoperative radiographs. However, we have little understanding as regards to the accuracy of X-ray measurements. We accordingly undertook an examination of the accuracy of such measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between leg length discrepancy (LLD) measured using X-ray and computed tomography (CT).

Background

Humeral retroversion is variable among individuals, and there are several measurement methods. This study was conducted to compare the concordance and reliability between the standard method and 5 other measurement methods on Twodimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) scans.

Introduction

Fixation patterns of cementless stem were known as proximal or distal part. Distal fixation was seen in fully porous coated stem and stress shielding of the proximal femur was indicative. These phenomena did not lower the clinical results, but technical difficulties were more and more in revision surgery because of infection or dislocation. There was lot of reports that alendronate was effective for treatment of osteoporosis by induction of apoptosis in osteoclasts. We can expect alendronate to modify the bone quality around the stem after cementless THA.

The orientation of the acetabular component in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty affects wear rate and hence failure. Correct assessment of acetabular orientation is key in assessing the painful hip resurfacing. This study aimed to establish if interpretation of pelvic radiographs with TraumaCad software can provide a reliable alternative to computed tomography (CT) in measuring the acetabular inclination and version.

TraumaCad was used to measure the acetabular orientation on AP pelvis radiographs of 14 painful hip resurfacings. Four orthopaedic surgeons performed each measurement twice. These were compared with measurements taken from CT reformats performed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist. The correlation between TraumaCad and CT was calculated, as was the intra- and inter-observer reliability of TraumaCad.

There is strong correlation between the two techniques for the measurement of inclination and version (p<0.001). Intra- and inter-observer reliability of TraumaCad measurements are good (p<0.001). Mean absolute error for measurement of inclination was 2.1°. TraumaCad underestimated version compared to CT in 93% of cases, by 12.6 degrees on average.

When assessing acetabular orientation in hip resurfacing, the orthopaedic surgeon may use TraumaCad in the knowledge that it correlates well with CT and has good intra- and inter-observer reliability but underestimates version by 12° on average. This underestimation may be contributed to by the natural divergence of the X-ray beam, the short arc of the ellipse left exposed by the large diameter head, and the non-hemispherical resurfacing cup.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo fit and fill analysis of tapered wedge-type stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with computed tomography (CT)-based navigation system. 100 THAs were all performed through the posterolateral approach, with patients in the lateral decubitus position. Each cohort of 50 consecutive primary cementless THAs with was compared with and without CT-based navigation system. The post-operative antero-posterior (AP) hip radiographs were obtained two weeks after the operation. All radiographic fit and fill measurements in the proximal and distal areas were analyzed by two of the authors who were both blinded to the use of CT-based navigation system. The type of the fit in the cementless stem was divided into three types. The fit of the stem was classified as Type I, if there was both proximal and distal engagement (maximum proximal to distal engagement difference of 2 mm or greater), Type II when there was proximal engagement only, and Type III when there was distal engagement only. The fill parameters such as mean stem-to-canal ratios and mean minimum and maximum gaps between the stems to the cortical bone in proximal and distal sections were compared. There was a significantly better overall canal fit obtained by THA with CT-based navigation system compared to without the navigation system (p<0.01). With CT-based navigation system, 42 of 50 stems (84%) were categorized as Type I fit compared to 31 of 50 stems (62%) without the navigation system. As to Type II fit, There are significantly more stems without the navigation system (26%) compared to with it (12%). There were better canal fills of the stems obtained by THA with CT-based navigation system both in proximal (94%) and distal sections (88%) of the femur compared to without the navigation system (proximal 88%/distal 82%) (p<0.05). Excellent radiographic fit and fill has been previously reported to potentially correlate with improved clinical outcomes. The stems obtained by THA with CT-based navigation system had a significantly better canal fit demonstrated by higher proportion of Type I and lower proportion of Type II fits, compared to without the navigation system. The stems with the navigation system had also significantly better proximal and distal canal fill.

Articular cartilage has a limited regeneration capacity, and damage of cartilage often results in the onset of degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis (OA). MRI and CT imaging of cartilage and subchondral bone are becoming increasingly important in early detection and treatment of OA as well as for quantifying quality of tissue-engineered samples. Non-invasive CT scanners have been used to image cartilage tissue with the help of contrast agents. However, since only one energy source is available, imaging information of multiple soft and hard tissues is lost given that the overall x-ray attenuation is measured. Medipix All Resolution System (MARS) CT offers the possibility of applying more than one energy source. It is able to measure the energy of each photon individually and therefore determines the characteristics of attenuation.

In this study, an ionic contrast agent (Hexabrix) was used to image the negatively charged extra-cellular matrix component, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is abundantly found in the middle and lower layers of healthy cartilage tissue. GAG distribution in the cartilage tissue could be imaged using an inverse relationship with Hexabrix signal (i.e. high signal represents low GAG content). Eight bovine cartilage-bone explants (3mm × 5mm) were incubated in 4 different Hexabrix concentrations ranging from 20% to 50% in PBS. Sections were imaged using the MARS scanner at high and low energies (13.32 keV and 30.84 keV). Images were pre-processed, reconstructed and colour-coded using different enhancement techniques and virtual experimental software. Histological (Safranin-O) staining and quantitative biochemical analysis of GAG content (DMMB dye assay) was performed to correlate GAG distribution and content with MARS-CT images.

High resolution images of both cartilage and bone regions were obtained, with contrast enhanced CT of cartilage correlating well with histological staining. X-ray attenuation was high in regions poor in GAG content, whereas attenuation was low in GAG rich regions. Furthermore, there was a direct inverse correlation between Hexabrix signal and GAG content as measured in superficial (2.9 μg/mg) and middle/deep regions (10.6 μg/mg) in cartilage explants.

It can be concluded that the MARS technique can be used to image GAG distribution and GAG content, and therefore could be used clinically to assess quality of healthy or osteoarthritic cartilage, as well as non-destructive imaging of GAG content in engineered tissues.

Introduction:

One of the complications occurring after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is venous thromboembolism (VTE). The current screening techniques for VTE are venography, lower extremity vascular ultrasound, pulmonary scintigraphy, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Although venography and lower extremity vascular ultrasound can detect deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities, pulmonary thrombosis poses a diagnostic problem. We performed contrast-enhanced CT screening for DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) after TKA, and assessed the efficacy of the following prophylactics for VTE: fondaparinux, enoxaparin, and edoxaban.

Introduction

Herniation pits had been considered as a normal variant, a cystic lesion formed by synovial invagination. On the contrary, it was also suggested that herniation pits were one of the diagnostic findings in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) because of the high prevalence of herniation pits in the FAI patients. To date, the exact etiology is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between the presence of herniation pits and morphological indicators of FAI based on computed tomography (CT) examination.

Primary internal fixation of uncomplicated scaphoid fractures is growing in popularity due to its advantages over conventional cast fixation. Performing the procedure percutaneously reduces the risk of infection and soft tissue damage, but can be tricky because of the small size and complex three-dimensional (3D) shape of this bone. Computer-assisted navigation has been an invaluable tool in other pin insertion procedures.

This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate two different rendering techniques for our navigation interface: (i) 3D volume rendering of the CBCT image to show digitally-reconstructed radiographs of the anatomy, and (ii) volume-slicing, analogous to CT-images.

As the shape of the scaphoid is highly variable, a plastic model of the wrist was constructed in order to provide consistency that would not be possible in a cadaver-based study. The plastic model featured a removable scaphoid such that a new one was replaced between trials. Three surgeons each performed eight trials using each of the two navigated techniques (yielding a total of 48 trials for analysis). Central placement of scaphoid fixation has been linked with mechanical stability and improved clinical outcomes, thus the surgical goal was to place a K-wire to maximise both depth from the surface and length of the drill path. The wire was drilled through the scaphoid, from distal to proximal, allowing for post-trial analysis of the drill path. A ceiling-mounted OptoTrak Certus camera (Northern Digital Inc., Canada) and a floor-mounted isocentric 3D CBCT C-arm (Innova 4100, GE Healthcare, France) permitted a registration transformation between the tracking and imaging systems to be computed preoperatively, before each trial, using a custom calibration device. Optical local coordinate reference bodies were attached to the wrist model and a custom drill guide for tracking with the Certus camera. During each trial, a 3D spin image of the wrist model was acquired, and rendered according to the technique under study.

For 3D volume rendering, the spin image was rendered as a digitally-reconstructed radiograph (DRR) that could be rotated in three dimensions. In the planning phase, the surgeon positioned a desired drill path on the images. Anterior-posterior and lateral views of the 3D volume rendering were used for navigation during the drilling phase. The real-time orientation of the drill guide was shown relative to these images and the plan on an overhead.

For volume-sliced (VS) navigation, the spin image was volume-rendered and sliced along the principal planes (axial, coronal, sagittal) for planning. A slider interface allowed the surgeon to scroll through the slices in each of the planes, as if they were looking at individual CT slices. Once the desired drill path was positioned, the volume-sliced views were reconfigured to show slices along the oblique planes of the planned path for navigation.

Following all trials, model scaphoids with wire intact were imaged using CT with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm. The CT series were segmented and used to construct 3D digital models of the wire and drilled scaphoid. Algorithms were developed to determine the minimum distance from the centerline of the wire and the scaphoid surface, and to compute the length of the drill path. Screw breach should be avoided as it disrupts the articular surface and may lead to a sequela of cartilage deterioration and osteoarthritic changes. The shortest distance measure was extrapolated to assess whether a standard fixation screw (Accutrak Mini, 1.78 mm radius) would have breached the scaphoid surface. There were three screw breaches noted in the 3D DRR trials, while only one occurred using volume-slicing. The minimum distance from the centerline of the wire to the scaphoid surface can also be thought of as a “safe zone” for screw breach. Although no difference in the mean distance (μ) was noted between groups (μ_DRR = 2.3 mm, μ_VS = 2.2 mm), the standard deviation (σ) was significantly higher for the DRR trials (σ_DRR = 0.50 mm, σ_VS = 0.37 mm, p < 0.1), suggesting a higher reliability of central placement using VS for navigation. In contrast, the length of the drill paths were significantly longer for the DRR trials (μ = 28.7 mm, σ = 0.66 mm) than for VS-navigation (μ = 28.3 mm, σ = 0.62 mm) at p < 0.1.

The surgical goal was to pick a path that maximised both the length of the path, as well as the minimum distance from the scaphoid surface. Algorithms were developed to find the paths that would maximise: (i) the length and (ii) the distance from the surface of the model scaphoid used in this study. The maximum possible length was 29.8mm (with a minimum distance of 2.2mm from the scaphoid surface), and the maximum distance was 3.3mm (with a length of 27.5mm). Therefore, the set of optimal drill paths had length > 27.5 mm, and distance > 2.8 mm. Of the DRR-navigated trials, 11 were below the minimum optimal depth, and only one trial was below the optimal length; 13 of the 24 trials (54%) were of both optimal length and depth. Of the VS-navigated trials, nine were below the minimal optimal distance, and four were below the minimum optimal length; 11 out of 24 trials (46%) were within both the optimal length and depth.

From this comparative study, we conclude that VS-navigation was superior in locating a central location for the fixation wire, while DRRs were superior in maximising the depth of the drill path. Thus, we propose a hybrid interface, incorporating both volume-slicing and DRRs, in order to maximise the effectiveness of navigation for percutaneous scaphoid pinning.