IMNailScrewAR

IMNailScrewAR is an experimental augmented-reality research and training application for studying intramedullary nail landmark registration and locking-screw targeting workflows in controlled bench, model environments.
ntramedullary nailing (IMN) is commonly used to address diaphyseal fractures of long bones. Accurate aiming the distal interlocking holes of the nail for insertion of transfixing screws remains a challenging problem in locked intramedullary nailing requiring intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance. The ‘‘free-hand technique’’ is not sufficiently accurate, because it is conducted by repeated trials using two-dimensional fluoroscopic images. Determining the distal hole using fluoroscopy requires even more radiographic exposure. The greatest level of radiation exposure to the patient and operating room staff was recorded during intramedullary nailing that involves distal interlocking. In an attempt to reduce this potentially harmful radiation burden, several authors proposed fluoroscopy-independent techniques, by proximally mounted target systems. Although these systems improve the operation accuracy, they still rely on radiographic images and the costs of configuring these systems are high.
The app allows orthopedic surgeons unimpeded passage of the drill bit through the distal locking hole of a nail by :
watching the planes in AR to navigate in real time. After calibration - independent from nail manufacture - three perpendicular planes appear in AR passing with different hazy transparent colours through the distal holes. A passive sensor (PS) is used for calibration and acts also as a dynamic reference guide because which is constantly recognised and tracked and updating the position of all registered points to new one. In case the IM nail and the proximally mounted target PS is placed in different position as a whole array, all registered points are placed in new position respectively in AR. The surgeon now can navigate and accurate identify the direction of the drill bit toward the distal hole of the nail.
observing a ‘’radar ‘’ screen which is depicted on screen and act as a navigation map during screw placement. A dot appears inside the radar screen reflecting the position of the tip in relation to half distance between two screw opening (in-out). Manipulating the handle of screw driver the dot size and location in “radar” screen change respectively, in real time. The size of the dot in radar screen is also changed according to the distance to insertion point. The dot in radar screen is starting to enlarge when the tip of the screw is approaching the entrance of hole namely the closer the tip of the screw the bigger the dot in the radar screen.
seeing in real time current location of the tip of the screw, in relation to hole quadrants which are also depicted (left up, left down, right up, right down quadrant )
observing current distance measured from tip of the screw during insertion - in mm - to the entrance hole. When the tip of the screw is approaching the proximal the entrance of the hole, distance is reduced. Once the tip of the screw attachesobserving current distance measured from tip of the screw during insertion - in mm - to the entrance hole. When the tip of the screw is approaching the proximal the entrance of the hole, distance is reduced.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This app is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. This release is intended for research, education, technical evaluation and training, not for patient-specific diagnosis, treatment planning or intraoperative navigation. Do not rely on the app as the sole or primary basis for any clinical or surgical decision. For medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals must use validated methods, approved instrumentation, appropriate imaging and their independent professional judgment.