Several hexapod external fixator devices are used in the treatment of bone fracture and deformity corrections. One characteristic of all of them is the requirement for manual adjustment of the fixator struts. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel robotic system that executes automatic adjustment of the struts. Ten patients were treated for various bone deformities using a hexapod external fixator with Auto Strut system, which implemented automatic adjustment of the fixator struts. Patients arrived at the clinic for follow during the correction period until the removal of the hardware. During each visit, the progress of the correction was assessed (clinically and radiographically) and reading of the strut scale numbers was performed.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Patient-specific instruments (PSI) and surgical-guiding templates are gaining popularity as a tool for enhancing surgical accuracy in the correction of oblique bone deformities Three-dimensional virtual surgical planning technology has advanced applications in the correction of deformities of long bones and enables the production of 3D stereolithographic models and PSI based upon a patient's specific deformity. We describe the implementation of this technology in young patients who required a corrective osteotomy for a complex three-plane (oblique plane) lower-limb deformity. Radiographs and computerized tomographic (CT) scans (0.5 mm slices) were obtained for each patient. The CT images were imported into post-processing software, and virtual 3D models were created by a segmentation process. Femoral and tibial models and cutting guides with locking points were designed according to the deformity correction plan as designed by the surgeon. The models were used for preoperative planning and as an intraoperative guide. All osteotomies were performed with the PSI secured in the planned position.Introduction
Materials and Methods
