Track: Undergraduate Research Competition

Abstract

This work aims to present the application of mechanical modeling software in three dimensions in the medical field, analyzing the procedures used by the engineer to support the orthopedic surgeon in preoperative planning.

The first step of the procedure involves CT examinations in patients selected for surgery: DICOM images are managed in post-processing to obtain multiplanar reconstructions of the bone lesion to be treated.

The files are then optimized, made shareable and imported into CREO's work platform; this is part of a family of CAD software products for mechanical design, developed by PTC, and is the fundamental application dedicated to parametric modeling. The software supports different work environments, each of one is for a specific type of modeling and it allows the simulation of surgery.

Parametric modeling, even if requiring engineer specific skills and careful approach to the work, guarantees to modify the boundaries even in advanced stages of the process. The result will be a faithful representation of the anatomical part both before and after surgical procedure, screening all the intermediate phases.

The doctor will assess different lines of action according to the results, than he will communicate them to the engineer who, consequently, will correct and regenerate the model.

Exact measurements of the mutual positions of the various components, skeletal and synthetic, can be achieved: by CREO all the osteosynthesis tools, necessary for the surgeon, can be included in the project according to different type of fracture to perfectly match the morphology of the bone to be treated.

The method finds its power in the dialogue between engineer and doctor: in complex cases closer collaboration is needed while, for the evaluation of less demanding injuries, the exam could be assigned as a remote project which, once completed, is returned to the medical facility of competence.

The practice illustrated allows the surgeon an exhaustive preoperative evaluation and let him to act correct surgery minimizing its duration, costs and above all the risks. This structural model is also an effective device for communication between doctor and patient.

The practice illustrated here allows the surgeon an exhaustive preoperative evaluation and to carry out correct surgery minimizing its duration, costs and above all the risks. This structural model is also an effective device for communication between doctor and patient.