Computer-assisted spherical osteotomy with a curved-bladed Tuke Saw.

Techniques for spherical osteotomy, such as rotational acetabular osteotomy, can help orthopaedic surgeons correct bony deformities and remove spherical acetabular components. Curved chisels are used during a spherical osteotomy, but they require skill and have a potential risk of damaging blood vessels or nerves. In order to perform a precise, quick and safe spherical osteotomy, we have developed a novel computer-assisted surgical tool using a vibrating bone saw, the Tuke Saw, with a curved blade that operates under the guidance of an optical navigation system. In this study, the accuracy and ease of use of this curved-bladed Tuke Saw in spherical osteotomy were examined in comparison with the conventional curved chisel. Using these surgical tools, hemispherical osteotomies were performed on rectangular parallelepiped Sawbones blocks and rotational acetabular osteotomies were performed on cadaveric pelves. The distance error with the curved-bladed Tuke Saw was significantly smaller than that with the curved chisel, and the procedure time with the Tuke Saw was approximately half that with the chisel. It can thus be concluded that the curved-bladed Tuke Saw is more accurate and easier to use than the conventional curved chisel.