[Hybrid operating room : Application in trauma surgery and orthopaedics]

Digitalization in orthopaedics: a narrative review

Advances in technology and digital tools like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and sensors are shaping the field of orthopaedic surgery on all levels, from patient care to research and facilitation of logistic processes. Especially the COVID-19 pandemic, with the associated contact restrictions was an accelerator for the development and introduction of telemedical applications and digital alternatives to classical in-person patient care. Digital applications already used in orthopaedic surgery include telemedical support, online video consultations, monitoring of patients using wearables, smart devices, surgical navigation, robotic-assisted surgery, and applications of artificial intelligence in forms of medical image processing, three-dimensional (3D)-modelling, and simulations. In addition to that immersive technologies like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality are increasingly used in training but also rehabilitative and surgical settings. Digital advances can therefore increase the accessibility, efficiency and capabilities of orthopaedic services and facilitate more data-driven, personalized patient care, strengthening the self-responsibility of patients and supporting interdisciplinary healthcare providers to offer for the optimal care for their patients.

[Camera-based navigation in the hybrid operating room]

Camera-based navigation in the hybrid operating room represents a possibility for precise, low-complication and efficient pedicle screw insertion in spinal surgery. In addition to increasing patient safety, the use of camera-based navigation as an orientation aid for the surgeon reduces radiation exposure. Camera-based navigation focuses on the surgeon's anatomical knowledge of landmarks, preoperative image acquisition, and subsequent information integration by the navigation software. The information provided from volume tomography (cone beam computed tomography, CBCT) and surface referencing through the video input from four optical cameras and the associated surface markers is collected, processed, optimized and customized by the software used. The result is the creation of a trajectory that allows the surgeon to analyze and evaluate complex anatomical structures more easily and facilitates the performance of the planned procedure. Minimally invasive insertion of pedicle screws using surface-reference navigation (augmented reality surgical navigation; ARSN) provides comparable accuracy to conventional fluoroscopic insertion of pedicle screws while reducing radiation by eliminating the need for postoperative computed tomographic imaging.

Comparison of a ceiling-mounted 3D flat panel detector vs. conventional intraoperative 2D fluoroscopy in plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures with volar locking plate systems

Objectives

To compare intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy with a ceiling-mounted flat panel detector in plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures (AO/OTA 2R3C1.2) with volar locking plate systems to conventional 2D fluoroscopy for detection of insufficient fracture reduction, plate misplacement and protruding screws.

Methods

Using a common volar approach on 12 cadaver forearms, total intraarticular distal radius fractures were induced, manually reduced and internally fixated with a 2.4 distal radius locking compression plate. 2D (anterior-posterior and lateral) and 3D (rotational) fluoroscopic images were taken as well as computed tomographies. Fluoroscopic images, Cone Beam CT (CBCT), 360° rotating sequences (so called “Movies”) and CT scans were co-evaluated by a specialist orthopedic surgeon and a specialist radiologist regarding quality of fracture reduction, position of plate, position of the three distal locking screws and position of the three diaphyseal screws. In reference to gold standard CT, sensitivity and specifity were analyzed.

Results

“Movie” showed highest sensitivity for detection of insufficient fracture reduction (88%). Sensitivity for detection of incorrect position of plate was 100% for CBCT and 90% for “Movie.” For intraarticular position of screws, 2D fluoroscopy and CBCT showed highest sensitivity and specifity (100 and 91%, respectively). Regarding detection of only marginal intraarticular position of screws, sensitivity and specifity of 2D fluoroscopy reached 100% (CBCT: 100 and 83%). “Movie” showed highest sensitivity for detection of overlapping position of screws (100%). When it comes to specifity, CBCT achieved 100%. Regarding detection of only marginal overlapping position of screws, 2D fluoroscopy and “Movie” showed highest sensitivity (100%). CBCT achieved highest specifity (100%).

Conclusion

As for assessment of quality of fracture reduction and detection of incorrect position of plate as well as overlapping position of the three diaphyseal screws CBCT and “Movie” are comparable to CT – especially when combined. Particularly sensitivity is high compared to standard 2D fluoroscopy.