Computer-aided automatic planning and biomechanical analysis of a novel arc screw for pelvic fracture internal fixation

•Computer-aided planning and evaluation algorithm selected an optimal internal arc fixation channel (IAFC) that provides the possibility of robot-assisted pelvic fracture fixation.•Biomechanics analysis was used to validate the mechanical advantages of internal arc fixation screw as a novel internal fixation method for pelvic fractures.•The internal arc fixation implants have better mechanical properties. The sacroiliac joint screw is a common fixation method for pelvic posterior ring fractures. The complex anatomical structure around the pelvis makes it impossible to find a suitable fixed path, which increases the difficulty of surgical operation. In this paper, we propose an automatic planning algorithm based on a computer-aided internal arc fixation channel for pelvic fractures for the first time. A channel generation algorithm based on seed derived points was designed, and the optimal channel was selected by scoring rules based on 3D erode algorithm for the generated channel. The biomechanical properties of the internal arc fixation screw and traditional internal straight fixation screw in three postures were compared using biomechanical finite element analysis. The proposed algorithm verified the existence of a more adaptable internal arc fixation channel and can quantitatively plan a relatively optimal constant-curvature internal arc fixation channel in pelvises of ten adults. Significantly high stresses concentrated around the interaction region between the screws and bone may increase the risk of bone fractures and screw loosening in the long term. The experimental results show that the internal arc fixation screw has better strain and deformation performance than the internal straight fixation screw. A novel arc internal fixation method for pelvic fractures was proposed to improve the safety and stability of screw fixation of pelvic fracture. The nonparametric test proved that the sacroiliac dislocation model repaired by internal arc fixation screw was significantly different from that repaired by internal straight fixation screw. The computer-aided automatic planning algorithm provides the possibility of robot-assisted pelvic fracture fixation.