A semi-automatic orthopedic implant management tool for Computer Assisted planning, navigation and simulation: from XML implant database to unified implant access interface

Nowadays, Computer Assisted Orthopedic planning and navigation systems have been recognized as an important tool that helps surgeons. Various systems have been developed so far, but most of them use non-standard formalisms and techniques. As a result there are no standard concepts for implant and tool management or data formats to store information for use in 3D planning and navigation systems. We addressed these limitations and developed a practical and generic solution which brings benefits for surgeons, implant manufacturers and CAS application developers. We developed a virtual implant database containing geometrical as well as calibration information for orthopedic implants and instruments with a focus on Trauma. This database has been successfully tested with various applications in client/server mode. Nevertheless, the implant information is not static because periodically manufacturers revise implants, resulting in the removal of some implants and addition of new ones. To ease the implant management in respect to implant life cycle, we developed an implant management tool which helps end-users to manage their implants. Currently, this tool allows the addition of new implants, modification of existing ones, deletion of obsolete implants, export of a given implant and also creation of backups. Our implant management system has been successfully tested in the laboratory and gave very promising results. It makes it possible to fill the current existing gap between CAS system, implant manufacturers, hospitals and surgeons.