International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery, vol.20, no.3, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Background: In the field of orthopaedics, external fixators are commonly employed for treating extremity fractures and deformities. Computer-assisted systems offer a promising and less error-prone treatment alternative to manual fixation by utilising a software to plan treatments based on radiological and clinical data. Nevertheless, existing computer-assisted systems have limitations and constraints. Methods: This work represents the culmination of a project aimed at developing a new automatised fixation system and a corresponding software to minimise human intervention and associated errors, and the developed system incorporates enhanced functionalities and has fewer constraints compared to existing systems. Results: The automatised fixation system and its graphical user interface (GUI) demonstrate promising results in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Conclusion: The developed fixation system and its accompanying GUI represent an improvement in computer-assisted fixation systems. Future research may focus on further refining the system and conducting clinical trials.