Intelligent robot-assisted fracture reduction system for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.

BACKGROUND: Precise and minimally invasive closed reduction is the premise of minimally invasive internal fixation. This paper aims to explore the safety and efficacy of a robot-assisted fracture reduction system (RAFR) in the treatment of pelvic fractures and to analyze its clinical advantages and existing problems.

METHODS: The RAFR system intelligently designed the optimal reduction path and target position based on a preoperative three-dimensional(3D) CT scan of the patient. The reduction robotic arm automatically reduced the affected hemipelvis according to the pre-planned reduction path.

RESULTS: The average residual displacement was the 6.65 ± 3.59 mm. According to Matta's criteria, there were 7 excellent, 10 good, and 3 fair, and the excellent and good rate was 85%. No postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION: In our study, the RAFR system could complete accurate and minimally invasive closed reduction for most patients with unstable pelvic fractures, which could achieve good fracture reduction quality and short-term efficacy.