OrthoMeter is a small orthopedic tool intended to surgeons to measure angles on radiographs or computer screens in the orthopedic field.
It is intended to the Orthopedic care professional, and turns the iPhone into a professional measuring tool.
“When I was a resident, I was struck by the time and difficulties required to measure angles with the instruments available at the time. Then technology evolved, and tools like the iPhone emerged, with its great angle-measurement capabilities. I designed OrthoMeter with Regis Rigal as the tool I had always needed in my everyday tasks, to be able to catch an angle “on the fly”, and I use it all the time.
All that one has to do is grab the same device as used everyday to manage a busy schedule, align accurately the edge of the iPhone to the standard tracings we use routinely, and the great position sensor built into the device will do the rest and provide an accurate reading. Measurements may be done as a free angle, or against the horizontal or vertical as provided by the device. It is was designed to measure the femoral angle, or the inclination of an acetabular cup and the angle of the roof of the acetabulum; but many other angles as useful in everyday practice may be obtained.
The precision of the device itself is 1/10th of a degree, far more precise than the precision of the measure as determined in everyday practice and the literature.
Measures are logged for further use and may be sent by e-mail to the surgeon or staff for recording purposes. A calibration procedure was also implemented to accurately measure the angle with the horizontal plane as in the sacral slope.
Through though the development, Regis has shown an extraordinary sense of patience and astounding programming skills so as to accurately provide a tool that fits the needs of the surgeon and the orthopedic care provider to best treat the patients ; and I thank him for his efforts.
I am very proud of releasing this small software in the community, and I hope it will facilitate a little bit the life of my dear colleagues and the patients.
I thank the colleagues who helped me with their kind advice on the software during its development and wish they will find it useful.”
Frederic P Jacquot MD