Augmenting the effective field of view of optical tracking cameras--a way to overcome difficulties during intraoperative camera alignment.

An Internet survey demonstrated the existence of problems related to intraoperative tracking camera set-up and alignment. It is hypothesized that these problems are a result of the limited field of view of today's optoelectronic camera systems, which is usually insufficiently large to keep the entire site of surgical action in view during an intervention. A method is proposed to augment a camera's field of view by actively controlling camera orientation, enabling it to track instruments as they are used intraoperatively.

Potential pitfalls of computer aided orthopedic surgery.

Computer aided orthopedic surgery (CAOS) systems are becoming more and more frequently used in operating rooms all over the world. While their clinical benefit is no longer doubted, there is considerable potential for using these devices incorrectly At best, mishandling of a CAOS system may lead to prolonged operating times. In the worst case scenario, incorrect navigational feedback is provided, which carries the potential risk of endangering the patient or resulting in an unacceptable surgical outcome.