PRAXIM SELECT PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

 

SMART INSTRUMENTS - IBLOCK™

 

TKA with the intelligent instrument mini-robot Praxiteles – First clinical results.

 

Maegerlein S, Faschingbauer M, Wurm M, Fuchs S, Juergens C, Schulz AP.

 

8th Annual Meeting of CAOS International Proceedings, Hong Kong, China, June, 2008

 

 

Accurately Planned and Executed Bone Cuts Using the Praxiteles Cutting System. An Update on Recent Advancements.

 

Stindel E, Bourreau A.T, Vertallier-Chabanas L, Plaskos C, Cinquin P.

 

Surgetica. Chambery, France. September 19-21, 2007

 

Abstract

Obtaining accurate bone cuts in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is clinically important, though it is often regarded as the least precise step of Computer-Assisted TKA. The Praxiteles universal cutting guide positioner aims to improve the guide positioning precision for all five femoral cuts of any TKA implant.

In this paper we report on our most recent features implemented, and on the positioning and cutting accuracy of the system. The average absolute positioning accuracy was measured to be 0.3° in both the coronal/axial and sagittal planes. In the sawing mode, the final bone-cut accuracy compared to the planned implant position as measured in our cadaver test was 0.56° and 1.06° in the coronal/axial and sagittal planes, respectively, with a average distance error of 0.6mm. These findings suggest that a robotic guidance can bring a clinically important improvement in cutting precision in TKA.

 

 

Cadaver study: A bone mounted semi-active device for precise femoral cutting during MIS knee replacement.

 

Bauer A, Plaskos C.

 

6th Annual Meeting of CAOS International Proceedings. Montreal, Canada. June 21-24, 2006

 

 

 

Praxiteles: A Miniature Bone-Mounted Robot for Minimal Access Total Knee Arthroplasty.

 

Plaskos C, Cinquin P, Lavallée S, Hodgson AJ.

 

Int J Med Rob 1(4):67–79, 2005

 

Abstract

We have been working to develop a compact, accurate, safe, and easy-to-use surgical robot for minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The goal of our bone-mounted robot, named Praxiteles, is to precisely position a surgical bone-cutting guide in the appropriate planes surrounding the knee, so that the surgeon can perform the planar cuts manually using the guide. The robot architecture is comprised of 2 motorized degrees of freedom (DoF) whose axes of rotation are arranged in parallel, and are precisely aligned to the implant cutting planes with a 2 DoF adjustment mechanism. Two prototypes have been developed and tested on saw bones and cadavers--an initial one for open TKA surgery and a new version for MIS TKA, which mounts on the side of the knee. A novel bone-milling technique is also presented that uses passive guide and a side milling tool.

 

 

Minimal access total knee arthroplasty using a miniature robot and a new side milling technique.

 

Plaskos C, Cinquin P, Lavallée S, Hodgson AJ.

 

5th Annual Meeting of CAOS International Proceedings, Helsinki, Finland, June 19-22, 2005

 

 

How Will New CAOS Technologies Help Clinicians: Minimal Access Total Knee Arthroplasty Using the Mini-Praxiteles Robot.

 

Plaskos C, Lavallée S, Cinquin P, Hodgson AJ.

 

MISmeetsCAOS Symposium Series, Indianapolis IN, May 19-21, 2005

 

 

 

Computer-assisted minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty using a miniature robot.

 

Plaskos C, Masri BM, Cinquin P, Hodgson AJ, Lavallée S.

 

IMechE Knee Arthroplasty Conference – Engineering Functionality, London, UK, 2005

 

 

 

Praxiteles: a universal bone-mounted robot for image free knee surgery - report on first cadaver trials.

 

Plaskos C, Stindel E, Cinquin P, Hodgson AJ, Faguer B, Lavallée S.

 

Langlotz F, Davies BL, Stulberg SD, eds. Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery – 4th Annual Meeting of CAOS-International Proceedings. Chicago IL, 2004

 

 

Modelling and Optimization of Bone-Cutting Forces in Orthopaedic Surgery.

 

Christopher Plaskos, Antony J. Hodgson, Philippe Cinquin:

 

MICCAI (1) 2003: 254-261

 

 

 

TOTAL KNEE RECONSTRUCTION

 

Navigated revision knee arthroplasty using a system designed for primary surgery.

 

Massin P, Boyer P, Pernin J, Jeanrot C.,

 

Comput Aided Surg. 2008 Jul;13(4):179-87.

Abstract

While navigation is now recognized as an efficient tool for improving femoro-tibial alignment of primary knee prostheses, its use in revision surgery has not yet been fully evaluated. We describe a procedure based on a bone morphing acquisition performed on the surface of the original implants, followed by a dependant bone cut sequence (tibia first). Using the current system, a preoperative CT-scan measurement of the original femoral component was required. Knee balancing was achieved using spacer blocks, with the trial tibial component and the original femoral component still in place. Preliminary experience from 19 cases, some with severe bone loss requiring reconstruction, is reported. A retrospective comparison to 10 non-navigated revision cases performed concomitantly by the same operating surgeon was carried out. Although there was no significant difference in the number of outliers for the two series, navigation appeared to be a valuable aid in reconstructing both bone extremities, while controlling the level of the joint line. However, definitive validation requires further prospective and comparative investigations in larger series.

 

 

Clinical Results of Navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Posttraumatic Deformity and Arthrosis

 

A.P. Schulz, S. Magerlein, S Fuchs, A. Unger, L. Simon, B. Kienast, M. Faschingbauer and A. Paech,

 

Research Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (3): 178-182, 2007

 

Abstract

Trauma surgeons are often less exposed to large caseloads of primary osteoarthritis, compared to purely `elective`orthopaedic surgeons. The experience in total knee arthroplasty is thereby markedly On the other hand, posttraumatic knee arthrosis is often accompanied by severe deformity and axis deviation. In theory, navigated arthroplasty can overcome some of the problems in this setting. Aim was the evaluation of the navigated technique of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), including the technical difficulties, the learning curve and the feasibility in severe bony deformity. Setting is a level I trauma center. Patients and Methods: Between July 2004 and December 2005 we treated 49 Patients with a mean age 62 yrs. (32-82). All had a severe Arthritis of the knee joint due to trauma (diagram 1), 58% were male, in 51% the treatment was under the Workers injury compensation scheme. On average patients had 3.02 previous operations (1-9, including arthroscopies). In all cases a navigational system (PRAXIM, Tronche/France) was used with infrared-tracking and bone-morphing software. The implant was a mobile bearing LCS knee (DePuy/USA). Study setup was prospective, follow up on average 14.5 months (11-25) including the Knee Society Score results, In 4 cases the procedure was finished in a conventional technique, reasons were decision of the surgeon, a missing femoral cut block and a broken screw of the tracker-fixation. In one case a hinged prosthesis was implanted due to instability. There was no failure of the navigational system. There was a clear learning curve. Preoperative extension deficit was improved from average 7.1° (0-30°)-1.67° (0°-10°) postop., flexion contracture improved from av. 95°-103°. The combined knee society score improved from 83 points preoperatively to 157 points at F/U. Navigated knee endoprosthesis is reliable tool for the trauma surgeon with few technical problems. Especially for surgeons with less experience in TKA, planning of implant size and position is very helpful. With posttraumatic deformity the surgeon can gain valuable information and assistance to improve alignment and ligamentous balancing. 

 

 

Bone Morphing: 3D reconstruction without pre- or intra-operative imaging

 

E.Stindel, N.Perrin, JL.Briard, S.Lavallée, C.Lefevre, J.Troccaz,

 

Stiehl James B., Navigation and MIS in Orthopedic Surgery (Hardcover), Chapter 5, Springer, 2006

 

 

 

Navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty and the Surgetics Bone Morphing System

 

E.Stindel, JL.Briard, C.Plaskos, J.Troccaz,

 

Stiehl James B., Navigation and MIS in Orthopedic Surgery (Hardcover), Chapter 16, Springer, 2006

 

 

 

Detection of the center of the hip joint in computer-assisted surgery: an evaluation study of the Surgetics algorithm.

 

Stindel E, Gil D, Briard JL, Merloz P, Dubrana F, Lefevre C.

 

Comput Aided Surg. 2005 May;10(3):133-9.

 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to assess the accuracy of an algorithm implemented by PRAXIM in the SURGETICS navigation station for detection of the hip center. This study will assess the robustness and accuracy of the algorithm in various clinical situations such as those involving non-sphericity of the femoral head, motion of the pelvis during hip center detection, and restricted range of motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The localization of the hip center, based on kinematics, relies on the recording of n successive positions of the femoral rigid body in the localizer reference system during a passive circumduction motion of the hip joint. Therefore, the shape of the clouds of points acquired may vary from one acquisition to the next. To allow a comprehensive study of the consequences of these variations for hip center detection, we developed a simulator to generate numerous clouds of points. Results given subsequently for each test are the values of the difference between the femoral mechanical axis computed with C(c), the computed hip center, and the same axis computed with C(o), the reference hip center. RESULTS: Test 1: Sensitivity to noise. The errors ranged from 3.33 E - 12 (SD 3.29E - 12) for a noise of 0 mm to 8.18E - 1 (SD - 7.05E - 1) for a noise of 15 mm. Test 2: Sensitivity to the shape of the acquisition motion. All trajectories gave an error < 1 degrees . Test 3: Sensitivity to restricted range of motion. No value > 1 degrees was found during this test. Test 4: Sensitivity to the distance between two points of the cloud. No value > 0.5 degrees was found during this test. Test 5: Sensitivity to the number of points included in the cloud. No value > 1 degrees was found during this test. CONCLUSIONS: The Surgetics algorithm is robust to noise, can compensate for pelvic motion, and can be used even in the case of restricted range of motion.

 

 

Bone Morphing versus freehand localization of anatomical landmarks: consequences for the reproducibility of implant positioning in total knee arthroplasty

 

Perrin N, Stindel E, Roux C.

 

Comput Aided Surg. 2005 Sep-Nov;10(5-6):301-9

 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the influence of the acquisition method in image-free computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (CAS-TKA), and the reproducibility of implant planning using BoneMorphing, a 3D morphometric model obtained by a 3D-to-3D elastic registration of statistical models to sparse point clouds acquired directly on the bone surface with a pointer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five surgeons (one expert, four trainees) each performed a CAS-TKA hybrid protocol based on morphometric models and landmarks on a cadaveric knee 10 times. In addition, several additional landmarks were digitized during each acquisition. The reproducibility of the implant positioning and sizing, as determined by an implant planning algorithm with morphometric models, was compared to direct digitization accuracy. RESULTS: Femoral and tibial implant positioning parameters with the hybrid protocol resulted in intra-surgeon standard deviations (SDs) of less than+/-1.4 degrees for rotation and 1.9 mm for translation for all surgeons in all directions except for tibial axial rotation (the only parameter determined by a digitized landmark and not recomputed in the 3D model). The variability in individual landmark digitization varied from 2 to 5 mm SD for certain landmarks, with ranges of 15-25 mm across all surgeons. The comparison study showed an improvement in femoral rotation reproducibility with the morphometric model when using the posterior condylar axis. Tibial implant reproducibility for each method was comparable, with the morphometric model giving better results in well-digitized areas such as the tibial plateau. CONCLUSION: A CAS-TKA protocol based on a deformed statistical model offers reproducible implant positioning. Some landmarks, such as distal condyles, show sufficient reproducibility in the direction of interest, while others, such as the anterior tibial tubercle, can lead to hazardous implant positioning. This should be taken into consideration when designing a CAS-TKA system with bony landmarks. In areas where a sufficient number of points have been digitized with good coverage, such as on the distal and posterior femoral condyles or the tibial plateau areas, the information derived from the 3D model is more accurate and reproducible than that derived from digitization. Good training and a guiding user interface are essential to guarantee coverage quality.

 

 

Computerised and technical navigation in total knee-arthroplasty

 

U. Böhling, H. Schamberger, U. Grittner, J. Scholz,

 

J Orthopaed Traumatol (2005) 6:69–75

 

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the precision, concordance, practicability and the early clinical outcome of the use of a computerised navigation system in a comparative study with a group of 100 patients. Two groups of 50 patients each underwent implantation of a bicondylar knee prosthesis either by means of the freehand navigation system or by means of technical instrumentation. We found that the computerised navigation system provided a higher precision than the technically instrumented implantation: 94% of the prostheses implanted with the navigation system have an alignment within a range of -3° to 3° on of the Mikulicz line. Only 46% of the patients operated by means of the technical instrumentation reached this aspired result. Furthermore, the navigation system showed smaller ranges in the deviation of the aspired alignment. The radiological and computer-modeled alignment values differed both pre- and postoperatively, but to a larger extent before surgery. The varus or valgus deviations of the axis were more distinct radiologically under the weight of the patient’s body than in the computer model. The clinical outcome examined by the use of the HSS score after a mean followup of 7 months is good in both groups, and without significant differences. On average, the duration of surgery was 13 minutes longer in the computerised navigation group. We conclude that the benefit of the computerised navigation system is represented by the high improvement of precision. Achieving early clinical results identical to those in the technical instrumentation group, we expect a reduction of aseptic loosening in the computerised navigation group.

 

 

Knee Prosthesis navigation System

 

J.Sholtz, V.Makris, H.Schamberger, G.Panides, 

 

Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery Br. 2004, 86-B:SUPP II; 181

 

 

Surgetics Total Knee Arthroplasty using Bone-Morphing-preliminary results based on 60 clinical cases

 

E.Stindel, JL.Briard, P.Merloz, F.Dubrana, S.Plaweski, C.Lefevre,

 

Proceedings of CAOS 2003, Marbella – Spain.

 

 

The bone morphing : 3D morphological data for Total Knee Arthroplasty

 

Stindel E., Briard J., Merloz P., Plaweski S., Dubrana F., Lefevre C., Troccaz J.

 

Computer-Aided Surgery 7(3) , (2002) 156-168

 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The clinical outcome of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is mainly determined by the accuracy of the surgical procedure itself. To improve the final result, one must take into account (a) the alignment of the prosthesis with respect to the mechanical axis, and (b) the balance of the soft tissues. Therefore, morphologic data (such as the shape of the epiphysis) and geometric data are essential. We present a new method for performing TKA based on morphologic and geometric data without preoperative images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The global method is based on the digitization of points with an optical 3D localizer. For the morphologic acquisitions, we use a method based on the registration of sparse point data with a 3D statistical deformable model. To build the mechanical axis, we use a kinematics method for the hip center and digitization of anatomical landmarks for the ankle centers. The knee center is not determined by digitization or kinematics of the knee, as this would not be accurate. The surgical planning relies totally on the soft-tissue balance, which is the key issue for a good kinematics result. RESULTS: We have used this system for 6 months in a randomized clinical trial involving 35 patients to date. For the first 11 patients that could be measured in the navigation group, the postoperative frontal alignment was within the range of 180 +/- 3 degrees. Fluoroscopic assessment of the soft-tissue balancing will be performed at the conclusion of an extended 2-year study to evaluate the results from a functional point of view. CONCLUSION: Bone Morphing is an accurate, fast, and user-friendly method that can provide morphologic as well as geometric data. We have introduced the important notion of soft-tissue balancing into the intraoperative planning step to optimize the kinematics as well as the anatomy. Therefore, this method should be considered as an alternative to the CT-based method.

 

 

INNOVATIONS

 

New visualization tools : Computer Vision and Ultrasound for MIS navigation.

 

P. Kilian, C. Plaskos, S. Parratte, J.N. Argenson, E. Stindel, J. Tonetti, S. Lavallee.

 

Int J Med Robot. 2008 Mar;4(1):23-31.

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A versatile image acquisition method called echo surgetics has been developed for minimally invasive computer-assisted orthopaedic procedures. The principle of echo surgetics is to use freehand three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound to acquire relevant 3D bone surface and point data transcutaneously, eliminating access problems associated with conventional digitizers. The concept has been implemented in three technologies: Echo Point, Echo Matching and Echo Morphing. METHODS: Cadaver experiments were carried out to evaluate the accuracy of (a) Echo Point for digitization of the anterior pelvic plane (APP) in total hip arthroplasty, and (b) Echo Morphing for reconstructing the distal femur in minimally invasive knee surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Echo Point provided significantly improved results (p < 0.001) over conventional digitization where mean tilt errors exceeded 20 degrees. The Echo Morphing experiments demonstrated that with a reasonable number of points (ca. 1000) and initial attitude (IA) error (ca. 5-10 mm and 5-10 degrees ) we can obtain an average accuracy of approximately 1 mm that is sufficient for most of clinical applications.

 

 

Navigated Universal Knee Instrumentation, a fast and precise method for making all femoral cut in Total Knee

 

A.Pearle, T. Sculco, C.Granchi, G.Thau, C.Plaskos,

 

Arthroplasty, Proceedings of ISTA 2006

 

 

 

Reliability of navigated knee stability examination: a cadaveric evaluation.

 

Pearle AD, Solomon DJ, Wanich T, Moreau-Gaudry A, Granchi CC, Wickiewicz TL, Warren RF.

 

Am J Sports Med. 2007 Aug;35(8):1315-20. Epub 2007 Apr 17.

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clinical examination remains empirical and may be confusing in the setting of rotatory knee instabilities. Computerized navigation systems provide the ability to visualize and quantify coupled knee motions during knee stability examination. HYPOTHESIS: An image-free navigation system can reliably register and collect multiplanar knee kinematics during knee stability examination. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Coupled knee motions were determined by a robotic/UFS testing system and by an image-free navigation system in 6 cadaveric knees that were subjected to (1) isolated varus stress and (2) combined varus and external rotation force at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees. This protocol was performed in intact knees and after complete sectioning of the posterolateral corner (lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament). The correlation between data from the surgical navigation system and the robotic positional sensor was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The 3-dimensional motion paths of the intact and sectioned knees were assessed qualitatively using the navigation display system. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients between the robotic sensor and the navigation system for varus and external rotation at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees were all statistically significant at P < .01. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient for all tests was 0.9976 (P < .0001). Real-time visualization of the coupled motions was possible with the navigation system. Post hoc analysis of the knee motion paths during loading distinguished distinct rotatory patterns. CONCLUSION: Surgical navigation is a precise intraoperative tool to quantify knee stability examination and may help delineate pathologic multiplanar or coupled knee motions, particularly in the setting of complex rotatory instability patterns. Repeatability of load application during clinical stability testing remains problematic. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical navigation may refine the diagnostic evaluation of knee instability.

 

 

Adjustable Constraints - A Novel Method for Positioning 8-in-1 Cutting Guides in Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery

 

Pearle A,  Leroy A, Granchi C, Plaskos C, Lavallée S, White P

 

5th Annual Meeting of CAOS International Proceedings, Helsinki, Finland, June 19-22, 2005

 

 

The Mini-Screen: an Innovative Device for Computer Assisted Surgery Systems.

 

Mansoux, B., Nigay, L., and Troccaz J.

 

Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, vol 111/2005, pp. 314 - 320, IOS Press, ISBN : 1-58603-498-7

 

 

Abstract

In this paper we focus on the design of Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) systems and more generally Augmented Reality (AR) systems that assist a user in performing a task on a physical object. Digital information or new actions are defined by the AR system to facilitate or to enrich the natural way the user would interact with the real environment. We focus on the outputs of such systems, so that additional digital information is smoothly integrated with the real environment of the user, by considering an innovative device for displaying guidance information: the mini-screen. We first motivate the choice of the mini-screen based on the ergonomic property of perceptual continuity and then present a design space useful to create interaction techniques based on a mini-screen. Two versions of a Computer ASsisted PERicardial (CASPER) puncture application, as well as a computer assisted renal puncture application, developed in our teams, are used to illustrate the discussion.