In orthopedic and trauma surgery X-ray and CT-imaging modalities are the common routines employed to assist the surgeon during the intervention. In particular, when an orthopedic implant has to be inserted inside the patient, frequent image acquisitions are required in order to check the correct position of the implant and the relative fixation screws. Even small errors in position and direction of a fixation screw could severely affect the success of the surgery. If implant visualization is performed by means of projection images, depth information is lost. If 3D-acquisitions are performed, time is required for the acquisition and the further volume reconstruction. The latter represents a more informative but time consuming visualization method. Moreover, each acquisition implies radiation exposure for the patient and the surgeon.

The goal of this project is the development of an intuitive and precise guidance system that supports the surgeon during the insertion of implants and fixation screws. In particular, the position of the instrument should be available in real-time as well as possible insertion offsets with respect to the planned insertion direction. Real-time visualization of current and planned insertion direction should also be provided. Such a system would contribute to reduce the radiation exposure of both patient and surgeon and would also allow the surgeon to operate with the maximum flexibility.