It is typical for surgeons to plan procedures for bone fractures of the extremities “in their heads” while looking at an X-ray image of the fracture, or they hand-draw the planned procedure on the image. This presents several disadvantages; for example, the surgeon can only estimate which implant is best suited to fix the point of fracture. Furthermore, the surgeon is not able to accurately document the preparation for the procedure. Many hospitals, however, demand such documentation. In order to allow surgeons to plan procedures safer and verifiable, Siemens and Synthes conjointly developed the software PreOPlan¹ that allows simple and quick preparation of routine surgeries on a computer workstation.

The software PreOPlan allows surgeons to precisely analyze a bone fracture using a digital X-ray image of the patient. The surgeon can segment the fracture on the screen, measure it and then reassemble the fracture point in the anatomically correct position. All suitable implants for the respective anatomical region are suggested automatically by a database with bone implants from Synthes. The surgeon can call up information about the implants (length, inclination, size, or material) directly on the X-ray image. Once the surgeon has decided on an implant, PreOPlan automatically presents a selection of implants that are required additionally such as screws that need repairing. The surgeon then can make his selection. Overall, the planning of a routine surgery with PreOPlan only takes a few minutes.

Subsequently, the planning documents are summarized in a final report. This contains the planning images that the surgeon can use for orientation during surgery, as well as a material list for the operating staff that have the responsibility of preparing the procedure. The planning images make it easier for the attending physician to explain the intended surgery to his patient. Moreover, the planning documents facilitate obtaining a second opinion from a colleague. In addition to routine trauma surgery, PreOPlan also supports planning of osteotomy of the knee. During this procedure, a thighbone is separated near the knee and a wedge is removed in order to correct malformations of the leg. Using PreOPlan, the surgeon can accurately calculate the position, inclination, and size of the wedge that is to be removed in order to correct deformities.