Virtual Planning Simulates the Surgical Procedure

Innovative software will allow surgeons to plan routine trauma bone fracture, as well as corrections of leg deformities (osteotomy) virtually.

The PreOPlan software solution assists the surgeon simulate the planned procedure on an X-ray image of the patient. The surgeon can thus precisely analyze a bone fracture, 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 an integrated implant database, and 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 a certain implant, the software automatically presents a selection of additional required parts, such as fixation screws.


Subsequently, the software generates a report that helps the operating staff prepare the surgery with the selected implants. This report contains the planning images that the surgeon can use for orientation during surgery, as well as a materials list for surgery preparation prior to the procedure. The planning images also make it easier for the attending physician to explain the intended surgery to his patient. Moreover, the planning documents facilitate obtaining second opinion from a colleague.

In addition to routine trauma surgery, PreOPlan also supports planning of osteotomy on the knee. During this procedure, the thighbone is separated near to the knee and a wedge is removed to correct a malformation of the leg. Using PreOPlan, the surgeon can accurately calculate the position, inclination, and the size of the wedge that needs to be removed to correct the deformity.

The PreOPlan software solution is a joint venture of Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany) and Synthes (Solothurn, Switzerland), a global market leader in bone implants.

Related Links:
Siemens Healthcare
Synthes