Determining flexor-tendon repair techniques via soft computing.
An SC-based multi-objective decision-making method for determining the optimal flexor-tendon repair technique from experimental and clinical survey data, and with variable circumstances, was presented. Results were compared with those from the Taguchi method. Using the Taguchi method results in the need to perform ad-hoc decisions when the outcomes for individual objectives are contradictory to a particular preference or circumstance, whereas the SC-based multi-objective technique provides a rigorous straightforward computational process in which changing preferences and importance of differing objectives are easily accommodated. Also, adding more objectives is straightforward and easily accomplished. The use of fuzzy-set representations of information categories provides insight into their performance throughout the range of their universe of discourse. The ability of the technique to provide a "best" medical decision given a particular physician, hospital, patient, situation, and other criteria was also demonstrated.
Johnson
M
M
NASA Center for Autonomous Control Engineering, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, USA. johnson_mbea@msn.com
Firoozbakhsh
K
K
Moniem
M
M
Jamshidi
M
M
D002102:Cadaver; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017143:Fuzzy Logic; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013537:Sutures; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*