Automated continuous distraction osteogenesis system for limb lengthening and reconstruction

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a classical surgical technique for limb lengthening and reconstruction (LLR). Most existing DO devices for LLR are operated manually, and the accurate DO process is user dependant, which could affect new bone formation. Recently, automated devices have been introduced for continuous DO processes to aid in tissue healing. To the best of our knowledge, few automated continuous distraction osteogenesis (ACDO) devices have focused on DO surgery for the long bones of the extremities and monitoring of their status during the surgical process. This study presents a novel ACDO device, which is driven by a deceleration stepper motor for further reduction in total mass and amplification in distraction force, including a precise and programmable man–machine-interaction system to allow surgeons to control and monitor the treatment remotely. The mechanical device was verified to be capable of generating a continuous and controllable distraction force and rate. The proposed man–machine-interaction system possesses the functions of customizing and following up on treatment plan by clinicians, including setting the DO process, measuring and displaying parameters, and uploading DO information to the data cloud. During electromechanical system simulation and prototype experiments, the performance of the proposed system was consistent with the setting DO parameters and treatment plan.