Smart Orthopaedic Apparatus Developed in Kurgan

06.05.2009 — News

THE KURGAN OBLAST.

A multi-purpose orthopaedics apparatus that can control the treatment process autonomously has been developed in Russia. A built-in chip transmits the patient status information to the attending doctor's phone or computer.

The invention made by Vladimir Shevtsov, the Director General of the Kurgan Centre for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics, will replace the classic Ilizarov apparatus which is used all over the world. The latter can operate in one preset direction only and if changes are required the entire structure needs to be removed and disassembled. The new model allows for all six degrees of freedom of movement - three translational motions and three rotary.

The treatment program is loaded into the electronic block of the apparatus during the surgery procedure. The data for a broken arm or leg recovery process is transmitted to the Kurgan Centre at a set time. If necessary the doctor can change the settings remotely by sending a command to the microprocessor from his computer.

The Centre officials told RusBusinessNews that the apparatus will open a new chapter in the world history of traumatology-orthopaedics and change the methods of therapy of orthopaedics disorders entirely. Russian investors have already demonstrated interest in the invention.

Nearly 7000 patients are treated annually in the Centre for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics. 5916 surgical procedures were carried out in 2008.