Surgical implant simulator launched

A European project has developed a computer simulation that could reduce complications associated with hip, knee or spinal implant surgery.

Surgeons across Europe perform an estimated 900,000 such operations each year. Despite the high success rate, about 10 per cent of these operations can result in complications, which often result in further surgery.

The EU-funded OrthoSim project has developed an orthopaedic surgery planning tool which can reduce the risk of post-operation complications and provide a means for testing new implant devices.

The OrthoSim platform uses software to create anatomical and implant simulations, which are based on the work of two leading European biomechanics research centres. These models were combined and hosted as an online service to provide a simulation of the interface between the artificial implant and the living tissue. Together, they provide surgeons and implant technicians with vital pre-operation information.

The tool can be also used to study the suitability of new implant devices and help pinpoint any problems with the design at an early stage.