Computer-aided patient specific quantitative preoperative planning in a clinical environment

摘要

Introduction: When assessing a fracture, an orthopedist has to integrate multiple factors before deciding on the optimal treatment plan. These include general patient-factors (age, past medical history, current medical status) [1], surgeon-specific factors (availability, experience, support), hospital-specific factors (available fixation devices, support staff), and fracture-specific factors (bone and soft tissue quality, number of fractures), Fracture treatment decisions are particularly critical in patients with poor bone quality, multiple trauma patients, or medically debilitated patients. Treatment approaches for any specific fracture frequently vary widely among orthopedists. Recent computer-aided preoperative planning software provides visualization, measurement, and implant selection and positioning tools. However, none provides the biomechanical information necessary for surgical procedures of load bearing bones.