Abstract
In order to fix a fracture in osteosynthesis, it is necessary to attach screws bicortically to the bone. The length of the screws must be selected correctly in 1-mm increments: otherwise, injury to the surrounding tissue structure or insufficient fixation will result. The drill channel length can only be determined preoperatively to a limited extent and with insufficient accuracy and is therefore determined intraoperatively with a mechanical caliper gauge. This length determination is error-prone, which often leads to a false screw selection and at the same time to considerable complications in the healing process. A novel approach based on a sensory drive train was pursued, with which all mechanical drilling parameters were recorded and evaluated in combination with a length measurement that allows for determining the drill channel length. In order to overcome the limitations of previous drill concepts, a precise length measurement of the drill channel was introduced. The amplitude of a stimulated linear oscillation of the drill was monitored for drilling channel length measurements in order to reliably detect the beginning of the drilling process. The method provides the information required for handheld drilling without the limitation of constant drilling parameters. With initial results from laboratory tests with pig bones, the measurement method for the drill channel length has been validated on a test bench of the drilling machine. With the laboratory tests, a measurement uncertainty of 0.3 mm was achieved, so screws with a 1-mm step width can be reliably selected.
Highlights
Osteosynthesis is an established method of treating bone fractures
The amplitude of a stimulated linear oscillation of the drill was monitored for drilling channel length measurements in order to reliably detect the beginning of the drilling process
The linear oscillation provides a robust occurred at 10 mm and led to a sudden drop in the feed force and to a torque peak
Summary
Osteosynthesis is an established method of treating bone fractures. The bone fragments are fixed to a metal plate with the aid of screws in order to align the bones during the healing process in the anatomically correct position [1]. For this purpose, a medical drill is used to drill through the bone. The appropriate screw length is selected and inserted into the bone. The false selected screw length can be checked by X-ray or ultrasound, but both methods have their disadvantages, e.g., exposure to radiation and extension of the operation time. Ultrasound is considered not precise enough to replace X-rays [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
