Fluoro-Navigation in Orthopaedic Trauma

Abstract

Fluoro-navigation is particular important for orthopaedic trauma as the fracture fragments are mobile and the orientations are not fixed before surgery. It is only possible to navigate the images obtained during the operation after fracture reduction or manipulation is completed. The potential advantages include the minimizing exposure to X-ray, accurate positioning of implants, interactive with real-time quantitative assessments and the enhancement of minimally invasive surgery. With the continuous improvement in the hardware and software, many procedures can now be done with fluoro-navigation. Our clinical experience in the past four years has confirmed the advantages and the extended applications. As this is an evolving technology in orthopaedic trauma, more clinical experience is needed for critical analysis. The fluoro-navigation system will also play an important role in surgical training as well as assessment in the virtual surgical environment. This will provide more opportunities for young surgeons to practise and plan surgery. It will open up another frontier in the design for objective assessment of surgical competency.

Key words

Fluoro-navigation - orthopaedic trauma

References

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