Proof of concept of a simple computer-assisted technique for correcting bone deformities

Abstract

We propose a computer-assisted technique for correcting bone deformities using the Ilizarov method. Our technique is an improvement over prior art in that it does not require a tracking system, navigation hardware and software, or intraoperative registration. Instead, we rely on a postoperative CT scan to obtain all of the information necessary to plan the correction and compute a correction schedule for the patient. Our laboratory experiments using plastic phantoms produced deformity corrections accurate to within 3.0° of rotation and 1 mm of lengthening. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.