The planning of orthopaedic reconstructive surgery using computer-aided simulation and design.

Three-dimensional reconstructions from computed tomographic (CT) images are currently being used clinically in a wide variety of orthopaedic surgical applications. The computer may be used to select the optimum standard artificial joint replacement or to design a custom artificial joint replacement for a particular patient. Where large bony defects exist, the computer may be used to design bone allografts for joint reconstruction and to manufacture models of the bones for use in planning the surgery. In cases where osteotomies are performed to improve the mechanics of the joint, each proposed osteotomy may be simulated on the computer to identify the surgical plan that will optimally normalize the diseased joint.