Computerized navigation for length and rotation control in femoral fractures: A preliminary clinical study

Yoram A. Weil*, Alexander Greenberg, Amal Khoury, Rami Mosheiff, Meir Liebergall

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Operative treatment of femoral fractures yields a predictably high union rate, but residual malrotation and leg length discrepancy remain a clinically significant problem. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of using computerized navigation in controlling the length and rotation in femoral fracture surgery. Design: Prospective consecutive case series of 16 skeletally mature patients with femoral fractures undergoing surgical fixation; 14 were fixed with intramedullary nails and 2 with plates. Setting: An Academic Level I trauma center. Intervention: Computerized navigation was used to determine the length and rotation of the operated extremity as compared with the intact healthy contralateral side. Main Outcome Measure: All patients underwent postoperative computed tomography scanogram for determining the length and rotation. Results: All fractures healed. Mean rotational difference between the treated and nontreated sides was 3.45 degrees (range, 0-7.7 degrees). Mean length difference between the 2 extremities as calculated by the computed tomography scan was 5.83 mm (range, 0-13 mm). Additional operative time required for computerized navigation was measured in 2 of the cases and totaled ∼30-35 min/case. Conclusion: Computerized navigation was accurate and precise at restoring femoral length and rotation during femoral fracture fixation when the intact contralateral femur was used for reference. Further, large-scale randomized studies are required. Additionally, improvements aimed at decreasing operative time and improving user interface of these systems are recommended.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e27-e33
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Trauma
Volume28
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • anteversion
  • femur fracture
  • malrotation
  • navigation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Computerized navigation for length and rotation control in femoral fractures: A preliminary clinical study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this