Computer-aided image-guided bone fracture surgery: 
system integration and prototype 

L. Joskowicz (1), C. Milgrom (2), A. Simkin (3), O. Sadowsky (1), Z. Yaniv
(1), G. Leshem (1)

(1) Institute of Computer Science, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
(2) Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hadassah Univ. Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. 
(3) Dept. Experimental Surgery, Hadassah Univ. Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. 

Abstract: 

We are developing FRACAS (FRActure Computer-Aided Surgery), a
computer-integrated orthopaedic system for assisting surgeons in closed
long bone fracture reduction.  The goals are to reduce the surgeon's
cumulative exposure to radiation and improve the positioning accuracy by
replacing uncorrelated static fluoroscopic images with a virtual reality
display of 3D distal and proximal bone fragment models created from
preoperative CT and tracked intraoperatively in real-time.  Fluoroscopic
images are used to register the bone models to the intraoperative situation
and for verification.  We have integrated the software modules and
integrated an optical tracking unit for real time tracking of bone fragment
models and drill.  We have also developed a custom adjustable drill guide
device for distal locking The guide attaches to the nail's head like the
proximal targeting fixture.

Keywords: image-guided navigation, optical tracking

Published in: Proc. 13th Int. Symposium on Computer Assisted Radiology and
Surgery, H.U. Lemke editors, Elsevier 1999, pp. 710-715.