Novel Positioning Feedback System as a Guidance in Bone Tumor Resection

Need: Bone resection using customized 3D-printed guides can improve accuracy, but the technique is still associated with clinically significant errors. Technical solution: We developed an inexpensive optical feedback system (OFS) that compares intraoperative 2D camera images to the pre-operative plan, and accurately depicts the surgeon’s guide placement prior to cutting, reducing the errors in resection. Proof of concept: We simulated wide resections of a bone sarcoma on 24 cadaver femurs using 3 cutting guide types. Guide placement was measured using the OFS and compared to CT-scans showing the actual guide position. We carried out a second, controlled study on 20 sawbones, comparing the accuracy of the final bone cuts with and without the surgeon actively using the OFS to adjust the guide position before cutting. Results: For cadavers, in 2 of 3 planes, the position of the jig recorded by the OFS closely matched its actual position, with an accuracy of.87° ±.65°(r =.94) and 1.2° ± 1.3°(r =.81) in the transverse and sagittal planes, respectively. In the second study, OFS increased accuracy of the final cut about the transverse and sagittal planes, respectively by 53.1% (P =.011)/54.7% (P =.04) and 33% (P =.051)/38% (P =.042) in terms of rotation and translation. Next steps: Developing the OFS as a mobile application to reduce the processing time and improve accessibility in the operating room. Conclusion: The OFS could accurately depict the guide placement on the bone and significantly improve the surgical accuracy of 3D printed jigs.