@inproceedings{e548a76e40c7480aae38f1f5141dd708,
title = "Laser ablation for precision 3D bone shaping: Beyond channel cuts",
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.",
keywords = "arthroplasty, Bone ablation, hard tissue ablation, joint replacement., laser ablation, laser bone shaping, laser osteotomy, laser surgery",
author = "Sam Withers and Nick Dumas and Ryan Breuer and Richard Chipper and Brett Robertson and Riaz Khan",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} COPYRIGHT SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.; Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXV 2024 ; Conference date: 27-01-2024 Through 28-01-2024",
year = "2024",
month = mar,
day = "12",
doi = "10.1117/12.3016499",
language = "English",
series = "Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE",
publisher = "SPIE-SOC PHOTO-OPTICAL INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEERS",
editor = "Norbert Linz and Bixler, {Joel N.} and Walsh, {Alex J.}",
booktitle = "Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXV",
}