From medical data to simple virtual mock-up of scapulo-humeral joint

Abstract

The surgical operations of shoulder joint are guided by various principles: osteosynthesis in the case of
fracture, osteotomy in order to correct a deformation or to modify the functioning of the joint, or implementation
of articular prosthesis. At the end of the twentieth century, many innovations in the domains of biomechanics
and orthopedic surgery have been performed. Nevertheless, theoretical and practical problems may appear
during the operation (visual field of surgeon is very limited, quality and shape of the bone is variable depending
on the patient). Biomechanical criteria of success are defined for each intervention. For example, the installation
with success of prosthetic implant will be estimated according to the degree of mobility of the new articulation,
the movements of this articulation being function of the shape of the prosthesis and of its position on its osseous
support. It is not always easy to optimize the preparation of the surgical operation for every patient, and a
preliminary computer simulation would allow helping the surgeon in its choices and its preparation of the
intervention. The techniques of virtual reality allow a high degree of immersion and allow envisaging the
development of a navigation device during the operating act.