SimFRAK

About

SimFRAK is developing a robot-assisted method for the realistic creation of bone fractures in body donors for research, development, and surgical training. The precise replication of real trauma mechanisms results in lifelike fracture patterns that can be used for biomechanical testing, the development of new implants, and surgical training and education. The aim is to create a previously unattained level of realism in fracture simulation—as a basis for safe, efficient, and patient-oriented treatment procedures.

Opportunity

Orthopedic trauma surgery research and training require realistic bone models in order to develop and validate new implants, instruments, and treatment methods. Previous training models—such as synthetic bones or manually created fractures—cannot authentically replicate the complex structure, viscoelastic properties, and fracture patterns of real bones. This leads to limited significance of biomechanical tests, restricted training reality, and potential uncertainties in the application of new procedures. Given that more than 600,000 fractures are treated annually in Germany alone, associated with high complication and follow-up costs, there is a considerable need for realistic, standardizable, and reproducible fracture models.

Solution/Product description

SimFRAK enables the targeted creation of realistic bone fractures by simulating the forces acting on the extremities of body donors during trauma. To do this, a 6-axis industrial robot is programmed with biomechanical simulation software that takes into account both the application of force and the counterforces occurring in the body. This is the only way to create fractures that correspond to natural fractures in terms of structure, course, and fragmentation. These models serve as the basis for:

• biomechanical testing and implant testing,
• surgical training and continuing education under realistic conditions,
• the development and optimization of new osteosynthetic procedures. The use of robot-assisted technology creates a reproducible process with controllable parameters and a high variability of fracture types.

Why Us

SimFRAK is the first system that can generate realistic fractures on body donors in a controlled, reproducible, and biomechanically plausible manner. Unlike previous approaches—such as mechanical impact pulses or manually generated fractures—the robot-assisted methodology enables precise control of direction, energy input, and counterforce. This creates realistic fracture patterns that can be used directly for development, validation, and surgical training. The market potential is considerable: manufacturers of fracture implants, development offices, training centers, and research institutions worldwide need authentic fracture models to test products, train methods, and meet regulatory requirements. SimFRAK closes this gap and thus makes a significant contribution to improving surgical training, product development, and patient safety.