Computer aided long bone external fixation

In current clinical practice, fracture reduction of long bone using external fixator can be regarded as a trial and error process. Based on the two-dimensional (2D) images provided by a C-arm, surgeon has to manipulate the fracture site to realign the proximal and distal fragments. This process involves repeated unlocking the fixator joints, manipulating the fracture site, re-locking the fixator joints, and viewing the static 2D fluoroscopic images. Given that the fracture deformity is three dimensional (3D) in nature, one could imagine how difficult it can be to reduce a 3D deformity based on the limited field-of-view and static 2D fluoroscopic images.In this study, althought difficulties of manually reduction of a bone, we aimed that computer assisted reduction to make a reduction template before reduction. We use a pair of symmetrical long bone, that is tibia. Tibias take place on the left and on the right, a pair and symmetrical position. This pairs are mirror image of each other. So that it is possible to use intact one as a reduction template for broken bone. The first and primary restriction of computer aided long bone external fixation to exhibit the template is functional by experimentaly.