Advanced Engineering in Orthopedic Surgery Applications

Abstract

The paper reports the use of advanced engineering tools, techniques and manufacturing process for the preoperative planning, visualization and simulation of complex osteotomy of a diabetic foot (Charcot osteoarthropathy). Two case studies focused on the same clinical data are illustrating the use of medical modeling techniques, reverse engineering and Additive Manufacturing technology in the development of 3D printed anatomical model and customized surgical cutting guides, as well as the use of Augmented Reality (AR) tools for enhancing the communication and information exchange between surgeons, and between surgeons and engineers. A good and accurate communication surgeon-engineer in identifying and selecting anatomical landmarks and supporting surfaces, in establishing the resections trajectories and K-wires positions proved mandatory for the guides’ design process. The importance of using both 3D virtual models, AR models and physical models as collaboration tools is also discussed.