WP 2.17: Applying robot-guided laser osteotomies in malignant bone tumor resection and introducing interlocking osteotomies

Bone sarcomas are rare neoplasms and represent less than 1% of all cancers. Regrettably, sarcomas are resistant to both chemo- and radiation therapy. Therefore, the cornerstone in sarcoma management is surgery. Basically, the surgical treatment consists of two parts, tumor removal and reconstruction of the affected region. Often biological reconstructions utilize the patient’s own bone stock (structural autographs). Traditionally the bone is cut with saws and while mechanical tools only cut straight or slightly curved lines, robot-guided laser osteotome can create custom geometries. As a result, bone segments can slot together like puzzle pieces, making the use of metal plate and screws systems superfluous. Also, the larger contact surface can facilitate the healing process. A shift from conventional surgery to computer-assisted patient-specific interventions will allow a faster recovery, enabling MRI follow up due to the lack of metal implants allowing detection of local recurrence.

An important tool in personalized surgery is the use of operating robots. While robot surgery is still in its infancy in orthopedic oncology, it is widely implemented in, e.g., general surgery. The key question to be answered by this project is how we can adapt and develop new treatment options based on robotic surgery for the benefit of this group of patients. The project has the potential to reduce time-to-treatment, re-surgery, increased quality of life, and improve overall survival.

Awarded to: Thomas Baad-Hansen (AUH) – CFA2

Awarded grant to support VIP personnel.