What is a 3D orthopedic C-arm? 3D orthopedic C-arm, also called intraoperative CT, is an upgraded C-arm that combines traditional 2D and “CT-like mode” to achieve intraoperative 3D imaging, which can rapidly generate cross-sectional, sagittal and coronal tomographic images and 3D stereoscopic images during surgery. For example, the PLX7500 series of 3D C-arm of P.A. Medical can automatically rotate 190° continuously and acquire 100 or 380 frames by means of pulse fluoroscopy, and volumetrically reconstruct into 3D stereoscopic images, as well as corresponding sagittal, coronal and cross-sectional images. 1 minute instantly presents 3D images, and the doctor can select the window of interest and browse the image information in different tomographies layer by layer. Observation of bone tissue and implants. This allows minimally invasive surgical treatment by guiding the implant to the desired site without the need for manual surface and point photography.

One of the advantages of using the 3-dimensional orthopedic C-arm is that it can optimize the surgical process by replacing the traditional post-operative CT examination with intraoperative CT-like tomography, which can achieve a real sense of “intraoperative CT” instead of “post-operative CT”, effectively reducing the probability of revision surgery and improving the quality of life. The probability of revision surgery is reduced, the efficiency of surgery is improved, and the allocation of resources is optimized.

The following diagram shows the comparison of the surgical procedure using a 3D orthopedic C-arm and a traditional 2D C-arm.

Using 3-dimensional orthopedic C-arm: X-ray inspection during surgery, execution of surgery, intraoperative 3-dimensional inspection, timely correction if adjustment is found, and then exit the operating room.

Using 2-dimensional orthopedic C-arm: the same X-ray examination during the operation, execution of the operation, and after the operation, CT examination by CT machine. If the result of the operation is not satisfactory, such as the screw implantation is out of position, the revision operation needs to be carried out for adjustment.

The flow comparison diagram shows that the procedure performed with the 3-dimensional orthopedic C-arm can effectively assist in the intraoperative positioning of the implant and in checking the placement results. For example, are the screws placed out of position or in the bone tissue? This intraoperative inspection can greatly improve the success rate of surgery, reduce the risk of surgery, and avoid unnecessary postoperative revision surgery.

So, which departments will use the 3D orthopedic C-arm?

The 3-D orthopedic C-arm is mainly used in orthopedics, especially in spine surgery (e.g. pedicle screw internal fixation, which effectively reconstructs complex 3D models of the spine and improves the accuracy of screw implantation), joint surgery, trauma surgery and osteotomy orthopedics. Besides, it can also be used in gastroenterology, endoscopy, urology, neurology, pain medicine and other departments.

It is worth mentioning that Puai Medical is also a manufacturer of 3D orthopedic C-arm and orthopedic surgery robot full process solutions. The combination of 3D C-arm + orthopedic surgery robot can assist doctors in preoperative planning of spine surgery, accurate intraoperative nail placement and other operations, improve doctors’ ability to evaluate and treat spine surgery, and promote the development of spine surgery to be accurate, minimally invasive and intelligent