Image-guided robotic guidance to place pediatric orthopedic implants with less radiation
Official title: Image-guided robotic assistance to improve precision and reduce x-ray dose in orthopedic surgery for pediatric SCFE
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11337492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new robot-assisted, low-dose 3D guidance system helps surgeons place pediatric implants accurately while reducing radiation exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $577,837 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB035559-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337492 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-11 undergoing orthopedic procedures requiring implants such as screws or wires.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not requiring implant placement or those outside the age range may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to build and test a compact robotic system that works with a cone-beam CT like imaging method to guide screws and wires in children. It focuses on percutaneous (through the skin) implant placement to minimize tissue disruption and radiation, while improving accuracy. The work includes developing imaging and registration methods, evaluating the system in preclinical settings, and preparing the necessary steps to begin early clinical testing. The goal is to help surgeons place implants more precisely, potentially lowering the need for revision surgeries and reducing radiation to patients and staff.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children could benefit from safer, more accurate implant placement with less radiation exposure during surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest image-guided robot assistance can improve placement accuracy, but this exact pediatric, low-dose CBT-guided system is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cleary, Kevin R. — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Cleary, Kevin R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.