Project 172635

Replacement of the fractured or diseased elbow with implants is becoming an increasingly popular treatment, with the intent to restore function and reduce disability and pain. However, failure to correctly align the implant to bone may result in detrimental changes in both the loading and motion characteristics of the joint, potentially leading to implant loosening and failure. It is logical to postulate that improved alignment of elbow implants may be enhanced via image and computer assisted technology. These techniques will also be applicable to ligament repairs and reconstruction, and fracture fixation. The objectives of this work are to optimize and validate image and computer assisted surgical techniques for surgery of the elbow, and to determine the efficacy of these procedures using comparative biomechanical tests. We anticipate that these advances in surgical technique will lead to improved outcomes in patients who have undergone ligament repairs and reconstructions, fracture fixation and joint replacements.