Andrew Dawood: Current challenges and state-of-the-art

3D planning approach is critical for using available bone. Within the current digital workflow for guided surgery the planned prosthesis is translated into a radiographic guide. Dr Dawood raises the question how precise the guided surgery approach can be within this workflow, and if within our planning the virtual guide is as precise as the physical guide. In a dedicated plea for clinical precision, Dr Dawoods reviews the potential planning and manipulation mistakes and errors, and the importance of correct calibration of the imaging hardware and the impeccable seat of the radiographic guide. Presenting patient treatment examples Dr Dawood underlines the importance and the potential of high precision planning for clinical success in very complex cases. Dr Dawood hints on potential improvements for the digital workflow and concludes that simplification of the existing protocols might increase the user group and application of these technologies.