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The computer-aided parallel external fixator for complex lower limb deformity correction

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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Since parameters of the parallel external fixator are difficult to measure and calculate in real applications, this study developed computer software that can help the doctor measure parameters using digital technology and generate an electronic prescription for deformity correction.

Methods

According to Paley’s deformity measurement method, we provided digital measurement techniques. In addition, we proposed an deformity correction algorithm to calculate the elongations of the six struts and developed a electronic prescription software. At the same time, a three-dimensional simulation of the parallel external fixator and deformed fragment was made using virtual reality modeling language technology. From 2013 to 2015, fifteen patients with complex lower limb deformity were treated with parallel external fixators and the self-developed computer software. All of the cases had unilateral limb deformity. The deformities were caused by old osteomyelitis in nine cases and traumatic sequelae in six cases. A doctor measured the related angulation, displacement and rotation on postoperative radiographs using the digital measurement techniques. Measurement data were input into the electronic prescription software to calculate the daily adjustment elongations of the struts. Daily strut adjustments were conducted according to the data calculated. The frame was removed when expected results were achieved. Patients lived independently during the adjustment.

Results

The mean follow-up was 15 months (range 10–22 months). The duration of frame fixation from the time of application to the time of removal averaged 8.4 months (range 2.5–13.1 months). All patients were satisfied with the corrected limb alignment. No cases of wound infections or complications occurred.

Conclusions

Using the computer-aided parallel external fixator for the correction of lower limb deformities can achieve satisfactory outcomes. The correction process can be simplified and is precise and digitized, which will greatly improve the treatment in a clinical application.

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Acknowledgements

The research work was supported by Key Projects in the National Science & Technology Pillar Program during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period of China under Grant No. 2012BAI33B06 and Hebei Province Innovation Funding Project for Graduate Student of China under Grant No. 220056.

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Author notes

  1. Mengting Wei, Jianwen Chen and Yue Guo have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Control Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, No. 8 Guangrong Road, Hong Qiao, Tianjin, 300130, China

    Mengting Wei & Hao Sun

  2. Rehabilitation Hospital, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, No. 1 Ronghua Middle Road, Da Xing, Beijing, 100176, China

    Jianwen Chen & Yue Guo

  3. Key Laboratory of Human Motion Analysis and Rehabilitation Technology of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, No. 1 Ronghua Middle Road, Da Xing, Beijing, 100176, China

    Jianwen Chen & Yue Guo

Authors
  1. Mengting Wei
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  2. Jianwen Chen
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  4. Hao Sun
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Correspondence to Hao Sun.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards interest.

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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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Wei, M., Chen, J., Guo, Y. et al. The computer-aided parallel external fixator for complex lower limb deformity correction. Int J CARS 12, 2107–2117 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-017-1654-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-017-1654-x

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