Far cortex automatic detection aimed for partial or full bone drilling by a robot system in orthopaedic surgery

Abstract

Far cortex detection during the bone-drilling process is a specific task in orthopaedic surgery. Any errors in its execution could damage the cortex wall from the inside, which often causes additional trauma even with a fatal result. Here we present some functionality enhancements of the drilling orthopaedic robot ODRO concerning the solution of the far cortex detection problem. The solution is based on software control of the thrust force applied to the bone during the drilling process. A new algorithm is created and its software realisation is provided. Experimental results are presented which verify and confirm the new functional characteristics of the robot. The risk of far cortex damage may be avoided by robot application and such precise operations may guarantee better success.