Development of a computer-integrated femoral head fracture reduction system

The exertion and radiation exposure of a doctor both increase with the number of femur fracture patients treated. The authors have developed a robotic system to assist in the operation, lessen these problems, and improve the efficacy of repair. The robot has 6 degrees of freedom, with a 6-axis force sensor installed to enable a power assist capability for the surgeon and to measure the force applied to the patient's femur. The following three operation modes are provided: JOG mode using a teaching pendant, a power assisted mode and an automatic operation mode. Experiments were successfully performed to evaluate the capabilities of the developed system. The basic data needed to apply the system in clinical use were obtained.