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.