AMDT Holdings recently announced that its SixFix deformity analysis and correction software and instrumentation.
The SixFix system is indicated for use with Smith & Nephew’s Taylor Spatial Frame to reduce the time and effort that comes with manually inputing measurement and values that are required by currently available alternative. It also creates a prescription that defines the incremental strut adjustments that will correct deformities.
“This is truly a medical innovation that can offer advantages to both my patients and me,” orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Freudigman, said in a press release. “The reduction in time and effort to generate a deformity correction prescription using SixFix is remarkable. Even more exciting will be to assess how much the image correction capabilities of the software can improve my outcomes.”
Spatial frame fixators typically have two rings that are connected by six adjustable connected known as struts. The rings are connected to bone fragments. Any small or simultaneous changes that happen in the lengths of multiple struts can change the alignment of the bone fragments in relation to each other. Surgeons have to manually measure and input those values, which can come from patient radiographs, according to AMDT Holdings. The values are entered into optional software to create a prescription that has daily adjustments over a period of weeks or months.
“Of all the advantages offered by the SixFix software, time-savings is one benefit that I will realize right away,” said Dr. Stephen Frania. “The current devices require a great deal of time and manual effort during my clinic hours to measure and record the data necessary to describe the frame and the deformity as represented by their radiographs. I bring these patients in weekly to evaluate the progress of their correction. The time I save and the improved accuracy when using the SixFix software is significant over these repeat visits.”
Using the SixFix system, surgeons attach the six radiopaque fiducial markers to the rings of a spatial frame external fixator. The surgeon then enters available spatial frame characteristics like ring diameter, strut length and axial rotation into the SixFix software. The information is used to map the deformity graphically with line segments that define bone axes fragments. The SixFix software uses algorithms to correct the imperfections in radiographs by creating a precise 3D replica of the frame and deformity.
“The six radiopaque markers provide full descriptive positional data to the SixFix software that enable it to create an accurate 3D replica of the frame and deformity regardless of how the radiographic images were taken. The SixFix is a farm more powerful and accurate tool than my prior deformity correction application as well as more intuitive, faster and easier-to-use,” said Michael Mullaney, VP of product development at AMDT Holdings.