Fracture Reduction using a Telemanipulator with Haptical Feedback

Our presentation outlines the advantages of utilizing a telemanipulator with haptical feedback for fracture reduction, especially regarding reposition accuracy and applied x-ray dose. Purpose Besides the advantages of the usual minimally invasive method of intramedullary nailing of femur fractures, this method has several disadvantages, which are well-known from literature and clinical practice. The correct reposition and retention of the fractured segments is the major problem. We developed a telemanipulator system which supports the repositioning process. By utilizing a robot, we expect a more precise reposition result, a reduction of x-ray exposure and a reduction of the costs and of the patient’s risk for infection by shortening the operation time. Methods In our laboratory setup the surgeon can guide a robot by means of a joystick with haptical feedback. Two CCD-cameras, which take images of the fractured region of the bone from different angles (AP and lateral), simulate the x-ray device of realistic surgeries. With thi