Siemens and Synthes have recently released a new piece of software that lets trauma surgeons plan their cases by shuffling around pieces of broken bone and overlaying different implant options. PreOPlan, as the software is called, is meant for virtual planning of bone fracture surgeries and osteotomies for bone deformities.
After virtual reduction of a fracture, an implant can be selected which is rendered in 3D on the screen, where its positioning can be planned in two planes, and suited implants can even be bent on screen.
From the press release:
The software PreOPlan allows the surgeon to precisely analyze a bone fracture using a digital X-ray image of the patient: The surgeon can segment the fracture on the screen, measure it and then reassemble the fracture point in the anatomically correct position. All suitable implants for the respective anatomical region are suggested automatically by a database with bone implants from Synthes. The surgeon can call up information about the implants (length, inclination, size, or material) directly on the X-ray image. Once the surgeon has decided for an implant, PreOPlan automatically presents a selection of implants that are required additionally, such as screws for fixing. The surgeon then can make his selection. Overall, the planning of a routine surgery with PreOPlan only takes a few minutes.
Subsequently, the planning documents are summarized in a final report. This contains the planning images that the surgeon can use for orientation during surgery, as well as a material list for the operating staff who have to prepare the procedure. The planning images make it easier for the attending physician to explain the intended surgery to his patient. Moreover, the planning documents facilitate obtaining second opinion from a colleague.
In addition to routine trauma surgery, PreOPlan also supports planning of a so-called osteotomy on the knee. During this procedure, a thighbone is separated near to the knee and a wedge is removed in order to correct a malformation of the leg. Using PreOPlan, the surgeon can accurately calculate the position, inclination and the size of the wedge that is to be removed in order to correct the deformity.
Press release: Virtual planning of surgical procedures: Siemens and Synthes launch software for the preparation of bone fracture operations…
Product page: PreOPlan…