Influence of a purpose-built frame on the accuracy of computer-assisted orthopedic surgery of equine extremities.
Authors: de Preux Mathieu, Vidondo Beatriz, Koch Christoph
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery Accuracy in Equine Limbs Achieving precise screw placement in equine orthopedic surgery remains technically challenging, particularly in the proximal phalanx where anatomical constraints limit surgical access. De Preux and colleagues compared two methods of stabilising the tracker array during computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS)—a purpose-built frame versus conventional direct bone-anchored tracking—using 24 cadaveric limbs across three planes of screw orientation. The frame-stabilised group demonstrated superior surgical accuracy, with mean deviations of 0.7 mm between planned and achieved screw position compared to 1.2 mm in the conventional group, whilst both methods maintained tracker stability throughout procedures. Beyond the measurable improvement in placement accuracy, the frame-based approach eliminated the need for additional drilling of the target bone itself, reducing operative trauma and simplifying the technical workflow. For equine surgeons adopting CAOS technology, this purpose-built frame design offers a practical means of enhancing precision in proximal phalanx fixation whilst streamlining intraoperative management—findings particularly relevant given the complexity of achieving reproducible results in distal limb orthopedics.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Purpose-built frames improve computer-assisted screw placement accuracy in equine extremity surgery, potentially reducing complications from malpositioned implants
- •The frame stabilization method eliminates need for additional drilling to anchor trackers directly to bone, reducing surgical trauma
- •CAOS with appropriate frame support achieves submillimeter accuracy suitable for equine orthopedic applications
Key Findings
- •Purpose-built frame reduced mean surgical accuracy aberration (SAA) to 0.7 mm compared to 1.2 mm with conventional tracker array
- •Both tracker arrays remained consistently stable throughout all procedures
- •Study group achieved better accuracy without requiring additional bone drilling
- •Mean SAA for cortex screw placement via CAOS is approximately 1 mm