Deformity Correction Software for External Fixation Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex external fixation systems for correcting bone deformities face challenges in determining optimal strut lengths and positions, making it difficult to create effective correction plans, which decreases their attractiveness for use.
Innovation Solution
A software method that generates a correction plan by displaying and manipulating 3D models of bones and fixation rings on a visual medium, using algorithms to determine optimal strut combinations and length adjustments over time, aiding in the correction of bone deformities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex external fixation systems are used to correct bone deformities, then the correction capability is improved, but the difficulty of determining optimal strut lengths and positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The software performs preliminary calculations and simulations to determine the optimal configuration of the fixation frame before the actual surgical procedure. This includes pre-calculating strut lengths, positions, and ring placements based on the patient's specific anatomy and deformity characteristics, thereby reducing the complexity during the actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical determination methods with computer-based software calculations. The software uses algorithms to automatically compute the optimal configuration parameters, substituting the complex manual mechanical planning process with automated computational analysis.
2Ease of operation
If manual determination of strut configuration is used, then the process is simple, but the precision and effectiveness of the correction plan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The software creates a virtual 3D model (copy) of the patient's bone deformity based on medical imaging data. This digital replica allows for precise measurement, simulation, and planning without requiring complex manual measurements, thereby maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual measurement and calculation methods are replaced with computer-based imaging and computational algorithms. The software automatically processes medical images to create accurate 3D models and calculates optimal strut configurations with high precision, eliminating the imprecision inherent in manual methods.
3Productivity
If automated software is used to determine fixation frame configuration, then the precision and efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The software is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated system: importing and processing various types of medical images, creating 3D models, calculating optimal configurations, and generating surgical plans. This multi-functionality improves efficiency by consolidating multiple tools into one system rather than requiring separate complex tools for each task.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to software used in planning the correction of bone deformities preoperatively or postoperatively, and in particular relates to virtually manipulating rings and struts of an external fixation frame in order to plan the steps for making a desired correction to two or more bone portions of a patient. The software can be used prior to surgery, allowing a user to virtually define a bone deformity, and virtually add and manipulate fixation rings and struts to the bone deformity. Based on the virtual manipulations, a correction plan can be generated that describes length adjustments that should be made to the plurality of model struts over a period of time to correct the bone deformity. The software can also be used after surgical fixation of the fixation frame and struts to the deformed bone.