Computer-assisted auto-frame navigation system for distal locking of tibial intramedullary nails:a preliminary report on clinical application / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate and investigate the clinical feasibility and curative effects of the computer-assisted auto-frame navigation system for distal locking of tibial intramedullary nails. Methods The hardware components of the system consisted of a PC computer with a moniter, an auto mechanical stereotactical localization cubic frame, foot holder and localization apparatus; Self-designed navigation software was used for registration and real-time tool navigation control. 21 patients of tibial and fibluar fractures were treated with closed intramedullary nailing, all fractures were close, 6 in middle third, 12 in middle and lower third, 3 in lower third; C-arm alignment, registration time, fluoroscopic time and drilling time throughtout the locking procedure were recorded. Unreamed or reamed tibial nail sizes ranged from 8/300-11/330. Results All distal holes except 1 were locked successfully, in 9 of 41 holes(21.95%), the drilling ends were in contact with the locking canal, but without any damage to the nail and drilling ends and no adverse effects. The fluoroscopy time for a couple of screws was (2.23?0.31) seconds. Conclusion The computer-assisted auto-frame navigation system for distal locking is well designed, easy to operate and additional instruments are not necessary during the procedure; the developed system enables the physician to precisely navigate surgical instruments throughout the operation using just a few computer-calibrated radiographs. The total radiation exposure time for the procedure can be significantly reduced because additional X-ray exposure is not required. The cost is less expensive and apt to be extended.