Laser ablation for precision 3D bone shaping: beyond channel cuts

Sam Withers; Nick Dumas; Ryan Breuer; Richard Chipper; Brett Robertson; Riaz Khan

doi:10.1117/12.3016499

12 March 2024 Laser ablation for precision 3D bone shaping: beyond channel cuts

Sam Withers, Nick Dumas, Ryan Breuer, Richard Chipper, Brett Robertson, Riaz Khan

Proceedings Volume 12840, Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXV; 1284006 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3016499
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2024, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Optimal bone surface preparation is essential for successful implant fixation and alignment in joint replacement procedures. Conventional knee arthroplasty prepares the bone surface for an implant with a series of flat cuts, not because of medical necessity but due to the constraints of the cutting tool. These cuts are often inaccurate, and the constraint of flat cutting leads to significant bone removal and ligament sacrifice avoidable with a different cutting modality. Laser ablation presents an alternative to mechanical cutting tools. Laser bone ablation for crafting fine channels has been described, however its potential for 3D bone shaping has been hitherto unexplored. This study examines the feasibility of laser ablation, supported by real-time bone surface sensing, as an efficient tool for 3D bone shaping. The accuracy and efficiency of targeted laser bone ablation was assessed on four ex-vivo human distal femur specimens, aiming to shape the bone surface to match a target tessellated pyramid geometry. A pulsed Er:YAG laser, guided by a digital plan, meticulously sculpted the bone, achieving a mean removal rate of 0.151 ± 0.015 cm³/min without any signs of carbonization. The process showcased remarkable surface accuracy of 0.28 ± 0.24 mm, demonstrating its promise as a superior method for bone surface preparation, potentially advancing implant design and surgical techniques.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Sam Withers, Nick Dumas, Ryan Breuer, Richard Chipper, Brett Robertson, and Riaz Khan "Laser ablation for precision 3D bone shaping: beyond channel cuts", Proc. SPIE 12840, Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXV, 1284006 (12 March 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3016499

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