Navigated reduction for transverse fracture of the acetabulum.: A precision analysis

Up to now navigated reduction control based on computed tomography (CT) image data could not be used commercially. With newly developed software, a transverse fracture of the acetabulum was reduced with navigation control in a laboratory test. The results were compared to visual and tactile control in a foam pelvis and specimen. Measurements were done with another magnet-based navigation system. The residual dislocation was measured with translation (mm) and rotation (degrees). Compared with visually controlled reduction, navigated reduction led to a residual dislocation of 0.7 mm and 0.9degrees. Navigated reduction based on CT image data is also accurate for reduction of joint fractures under laboratory conditions. Further improvements of the software are planned for later in vivo use.