Smart surgical template models for customized knee joint replacements

Abstract

The paper introduces a method for the automated generation of patient-specific instruments (PSI), here in particular templates, for the implantation of customized implants. The basis is the derivation of data from the morphology of the bony situation and the medical planning. A developed methodological approach based on an Active Shape Model (ASM) is used for the morphological measurement. Determined geometric dimensions are placed on this ASM and automatically adjusted in each case. In addition, specially developed software tools for the planning and design of medical devices will be presented. This includes, among other things, the intuitive control of template parameters by the user when manual adjustments are necessary. The determined data is bundled and applied to previously methodically thought-out and categorized master CAD (Computer Aided Design) models of surgical templates. These master models are fully configurable and designed to be adjusted within defined ranges of values. The templates are printed from the biocompatible material PA12 using selective laser sintering (SLS).

Keywords

• individual implant
• parametric design
• surgical templates
• patient specific instruments
• biomedical 3d printing