Horea BENEA

Abstract

Innovative technologies in orthopedic surgery

Horea Benea, Dennis Cicio, Vladimir Ciornei

University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Iuliu Hațieganu”, Faculty of Medicine, Orthopedics and Traumatology Discipline, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

E-mail: beneahorea@yahoo.com

In this presentation we discuss the recent advancements in personalized implants and patient-specific instrumentation, their necessity in clinical practice, as well as computer assisted navigation and robotics. We examine the relevant literature for each of the subjects. Furthermore, we explore the new addition of augmented reality systems in the operating room, as well as the use of artificial intelligence for imagistic and radiological outcomes.

Orthopedic surgery represents the branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures, orthopedic surgeons have always required good operative spatial orientation and great imagination, but most importantly great dexterity. As technologies advance so will the requirements for orthopedic surgeons, who will now need to focus more on their digital skills like 3D modelling and printing for personalized patient casts, or learning to operate their new robotic assistants.

Overall, there is a very favourable outlook on the new technologies, which have improved operating room efficiency, component placement precision and patient outcomes.

Because of its foundation in geometry, orthopedics benefits greatly from advances in 3D scanning and navigation, helping the surgeon identify physiological angles for prosthesis placement and correct defects. 3D printing is best used to create structures that match a patient’s anatomy. Robotics help prevent surgical complications to achieve the best outcomes for the patient.

Artificial intelligence in the field of orthopedics has its place firmly in the interpretation of radiologic imaging, where it was found that its accuracy can match radiologists and orthopedic surgeons.

This paper also hopes to highlight the challenge of the increased complexity in the logistics chain, that affects PSI and personalized implants, and the need for “just in time” manufacturing and delivery of the implant, which cannot be justified for smaller surgical centres, either because of financial or time constraints.

It is certain the future will bring a change in the perspective regarding the orthopedic specialists: from the practical skilful surgeon doing all the hard work in the operating theatre, to a master of medical, digital and technical sciences.