Method for constructing cervical vertebra model and printing method of cervical vertebra prosthesis

Abstract

The application discloses a construction method of a cervical vertebra model and a printing method of a cervical vertebra prosthesis, and the construction method comprises the following steps: obtaining an atlas-axis joint model; the atlas-axis joint model is obtained according to CT scanning data; filling a defective part in the atlas-axis joint model based on a skeleton boundary contour of the atlas-axis joint model; the skeleton boundary contour is determined based on an ant colony algorithm; identifying an atlas sub-model and an axis sub-model in the atlas-axis joint model; performing a Boolean operation on the atlas sub-model and the axis sub-model to separate the axis sub-model and the atlas sub-model; and determining a cervical vertebra model based on the axis sub-model and the atlas sub-model after the Boolean operation. By filling the defective part of the atlas-axis joint model, a cervical vertebra model with complete morphology is accurately constructed, a corresponding cervical vertebra model is constructed based on the cervical vertebra bone of a patient, and the accuracy of model construction is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of model building technology, specifically to a method for constructing a cervical spine model and a method for printing a cervical spine prosthesis. Background Technology

[0002] The cervical spine is an important structure in the human body. Degenerative changes leading to intervertebral disc herniation, osteophyte formation on the posterior margin of the vertebral body, deformation and narrowing of the cervical spinal canal, intervertebral foramen, or transverse foramen, or cervical instability, can directly irritate and compress the cervical spinal cord, nerve roots, vertebral artery, or sympathetic nerves, causing dysfunction and a series of corresponding clinical symptoms. For mild cervical spine injuries, symptoms can be relieved through general treatment and medication. However, for severe lesions that cannot be removed, dislocations, or comminuted fractures, these types of cervical vertebrae have lost their biological function, and injury can lead to paralysis of the limbs, severe respiratory dysfunction, and even death.

[0003] With the advent of artificial intervertebral disc prostheses, existing technologies offer prostheses suitable for use in conjunction with intervertebral disc prostheses in anterior cervical subtotal vertebral resection and physiological internal fixation surgery. They also provide devices for dynamic fixation after subtotal cervical vertebral resection and decompression, and offer an artificial cervical intervertebral disc comprising a superior endplate, a inferior endplate, and an elastomeric nucleus pulposus. However, these artificial cervical joints still have many problems, a major reason being that the prostheses use approximate structures and that the prosthesis design is imperfect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect in the prior art that it is impossible to accurately construct a cervical spine model based on the morphology of the cervical spine to print the corresponding prosthesis, and to provide a method for constructing a cervical spine model and a method for printing a cervical spine prosthesis.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, a method for constructing a cervical spine model is provided, the method comprising:

[0007] A model of the atlantoaxial joint was obtained; the model of the atlantoaxial joint was obtained based on CT scan data.

[0008] Based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, the missing parts in the atlantoaxial joint model are filled; the skeletal boundary contour is determined based on the ant colony algorithm.

[0009] Identify the atlantoaxial sub-model and axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model;

[0010] Perform Boolean operations on the atlantoaxial sub-model and the pivot sub-model to separate the pivot sub-model and the atlantoaxial sub-model;

[0011] The cervical spine model is determined based on the pivotal sub-model and the atlas sub-model after Boolean operations.

[0012] Optionally, before filling the missing portion in the atlantoaxial joint model based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, the method further includes:

[0013] Based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, lesions on the atlantoaxial joint model are separated.

[0014] Optionally, the step of determining the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model includes:

[0015] The image segmentation features of the atlantoaxial joint model are input into the ant colony algorithm to determine the mathematical model of the ant colony algorithm corresponding to the image segmentation features; the image segmentation features include the gray values ​​of the atlantoaxial joint model and the gray values ​​of the adjacent regions of the atlantoaxial joint model;

[0016] The ant colony algorithm mathematical model is used to determine the ant's path, thereby identifying the edges for image segmentation.

[0017] The bone boundary contour is determined based on the edges segmented from the image.

[0018] Optionally, determining the ant's path based on the ant colony algorithm mathematical model to determine the edges of image segmentation includes:

[0019] The ant's path is determined based on the guidance probability of the guidance function, where the guidance probability is calculated using the following formula:

[0020] ;

[0021] in, The guiding probability is given by R, where R is the cluster radius of the image, and x is the clustering radius. i and x j Let be the pixel in the sample image, i be the i-th pixel, and k be the ant number. x is a weighted value in the Euclidean distance between each pixel. ik Let x represent the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the i-th pixel. jk This represents the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the j-th pixel.

[0022] Secondly, a method for printing a cervical spine prosthesis is provided, the printing method comprising:

[0023] A cervical spine model is constructed according to the cervical spine model construction method described in the first aspect;

[0024] Export the target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model;

[0025] The target format file is imported into a 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis.

[0026] Optionally, before exporting the target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model, the method further includes:

[0027] The cervical spine model is repaired; the repair process includes at least one of the following: optimization and smoothing, removal of excess structures on the surface of the cervical spine model, and smoothing.

[0028] Optionally, importing the target format file into a 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical prosthesis includes:

[0029] The target format file is imported into a 3D printer for printing to obtain an initial cervical spine prosthesis;

[0030] The initial cervical prosthesis is polished to obtain a cervical prosthesis.

[0031] Thirdly, a system for constructing a cervical spine model is provided, the system comprising:

[0032] The acquisition module is used to acquire the atlantoaxial joint model; the atlantoaxial joint model is obtained based on CT scan data;

[0033] A filling module is used to fill in the missing parts in the atlantoaxial joint model based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model; the skeletal boundary contour is determined based on the ant colony algorithm.

[0034] The identification module is used to identify the atlantoaxial sub-model and the axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model;

[0035] The calculation module is used to perform Boolean operations on the atlantoaxial sub-model and the pivot sub-model to separate the pivot sub-model and the atlantoaxial sub-model;

[0036] The first construction module is used to determine the cervical spine model based on the pivot sub-model and the atlas sub-model after Boolean operation.

[0037] Fourthly, a printing system for a cervical spine prosthesis is provided, the printing system comprising:

[0038] The second construction module is used to construct a cervical spine model according to the cervical spine model construction system described in the third aspect;

[0039] The export module is used to export a target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model.

[0040] The printing module is used to import the target format file into the 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis.

[0041] Fifthly, an electronic device is provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and for running on the processor, characterized in that the processor executes the computer program to implement the method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0042] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: by filling in the missing parts of the atlantoaxial joint model, a complete cervical spine model is accurately constructed. Addressing the clinical need for vertebral prosthesis replacement in patients, a corresponding cervical spine model is constructed based on the patient's cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine model is customized according to the size and shape of the patient's vertebrae, improving the accuracy of model construction. This allows the printed prosthesis to better fit the patient's skeletal structure, solving the current problem in my country's medical field of being unable to accurately manufacture prostheses based on cervical spine morphology. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a cervical spine model according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 CT images of a method for constructing a cervical spine model provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first cross-section of the atlantoaxial joint model, which is a method for constructing a cervical spine model according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second cross section of the atlantoaxial joint model for a method of constructing a cervical spine model provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the atlantoaxial joint model after filling defects, provided as an embodiment of the present invention, for constructing a cervical spine model;

[0049] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the determination of the bone boundary contour in a method for constructing a cervical spine model according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 A first schematic diagram of a three-dimensional reconstructed atlantoaxial joint model provided by an embodiment of the present invention for constructing a cervical spine model;

[0051] Figure 8 A second schematic diagram of the three-dimensional reconstructed atlantoaxial joint model provided in an embodiment of the present invention for constructing a cervical spine model;

[0052] Figure 9A flowchart illustrating a method for printing a cervical spine prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the effect of a first prosthesis according to a method for printing a cervical prosthesis provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the effect of a second cervical prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a cervical spine model construction system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a cervical spine prosthesis printing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0059] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the document does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0060] As illustrated herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words “a,” “an,” “an,” and / or “the” do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms “comprising” and “including” only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0061] The definitions used herein, such as the terms “having,” “may have,” “comprising,” or “may include,” indicate the presence of the corresponding function, operation, element, etc., and do not limit the presence of one or more other functions, operations, elements, etc. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms “comprising” or “having” as used herein indicate the presence of the features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0062] Due to the complexity and unique characteristics of the human cervical spine, traditional cervical vertebral repair still faces numerous challenges. The lengthy surgical procedure and the pain caused by complications pose significant challenges to both doctors and patients. Because the morphology of each individual's cervical vertebrae is different, standardized mass production is difficult. Therefore, a method of personalized artificial cervical vertebrae design using 3D modeling is needed to refine the prosthesis design. The emergence and development of 3D printing technology and 3D modeling have brought new methods to optimize this type of surgery. Compared with traditional implantation of prostheses with similar structures, it can avoid risks such as metal fatigue, screw displacement, breakage, and loosening. For patients, it can avoid secondary pain, improve patient comfort, and for patients with tumors in intractable locations that cannot be surgically removed, prosthesis replacement can directly eradicate the lesion. The advantages of personalized prosthesis design based on the patient's vertebral size and shape, and the low cost of medical materials, can solve current problems in my country's medical field.

[0063] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for constructing a cervical spine model to improve the accuracy of model construction, thereby enabling the printed prosthesis to better fit the patient's skeletal structure and solving the problem that my country's medical system is currently unable to accurately manufacture prostheses based on the morphology of the cervical spine.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the method for constructing a cervical spine model provided in this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps:

[0065] S11. Obtain the atlantoaxial joint model.

[0066] The atlas joint model was obtained from CT scan data.

[0067] A preoperative CT scan of the patient's cervical spine is performed, such as a preoperative O-arm 3D scan, to obtain high-precision CT scan data, i.e., CT images. The patient's cervical spine CT images are shown below. Figure 2 As shown, CT scan data is imported into Mimics, a medical image processing software and 3D reconstruction software, in the form of DICM files. Appropriate thresholds are set to obtain a model covering part of the skull, the first to seventh cervical vertebrae, and the first and second thoracic vertebrae. Using the region growing function in Mimics, a cervical spine mask is created to remove tissues outside the cervical vertebrae, ensuring a more accurate design of the atlantoaxial joint 3D model later. Then, the split mask function in Mimics is selected to separate the skull, the C3-C7 cervical vertebrae, and the T1 and T2 thoracic vertebrae, resulting in the atlantoaxial joint model (C1 and C2 cervical vertebrae).

[0068] S12. Based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, fill in the missing parts in the atlantoaxial joint model.

[0069] The original atlantoaxial joint of the patient was segmented to identify the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model. Based on the skeletal boundary contour, the missing parts in the atlantoaxial joint model were filled. The missing parts include, but are not limited to, cancellous bone regions, odontoid processes, transverse processes, and vertebral curves. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a model of the atlantoaxial joint separated from the software Mimics. The hollow areas in the figure are cancellous bone areas, such as cancellous bone area 31. All hollow areas in the middle of the bones are cancellous bone areas, which will not be shown in the figure one by one. 42 is the odontoid process, 41 is the transverse process, and 32 is the vertebral curve.

[0070] In one embodiment, before filling the defect in the atlantoaxial joint model based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, the method further includes: separating the lesion on the atlantoaxial joint model based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model.

[0071] The lesion is connected to the atlantoaxial joint. The skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model is obtained to distinguish the atlantoaxial joint from the lesion, thus separating the lesion within the atlantoaxial joint. After obtaining the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, the edit function of the Mimics software is selected to separate the lesion on the atlantoaxial joint model, such as the lesion on the axis vertebra. An automated script is then used to fill in all the cancellous bone regions within the atlantoaxial joint, and the missing odontoid processes, transverse processes, and vertebral curvatures of the vertebral bodies are reconstructed. Figure 5 The atlantoaxial joint model is filled with cancellous bone, incomplete odontoid process, transverse process and vertebral curvature. 53 is the separated lesion. The atlantoaxial joint model includes atlantoaxial sub-model 52 and axis sub-model 51.

[0072] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the steps for determining the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model include:

[0073] S61. Input the image segmentation features of the atlantoaxial joint model into the ant colony algorithm to determine the mathematical model of the ant colony algorithm corresponding to the image segmentation features; the image segmentation features include the gray values ​​of the atlantoaxial joint model and the gray values ​​of the adjacent regions of the atlantoaxial joint model.

[0074] S62. Determine the ant's path based on the ant colony algorithm mathematical model to determine the edges of image segmentation;

[0075] S63. Determine the bone boundary contour based on the edges of the image segmentation.

[0076] A segmentation route was designed for the patient's original atlantoaxial joint, and the initial segmentation boundary was determined. The gray values ​​of the atlantoaxial joint model were determined as the first image segmentation feature, and the gray values ​​of adjacent regions of the atlantoaxial joint model were determined as the second image segmentation feature. Both the first and second image segmentation features of the atlantoaxial joint model were input into an ant colony algorithm to construct a mathematical model of the ant colony crawling process. The initial image sample is X, and the set of all pixels is... That is, the set is The set contains q pixels, which can be used as the basis for the ant's movement path to determine the segmentation path of the skeleton. for Pixels and The distance between pixels, therefore the mathematical model for ant crawling is:

[0077] ;

[0078] Where n represents the number of input image segments; is a weighted value in the Euclidean distance, where i is the i-th pixel. The magnitude of this value depends on the degree of influence of the pixel on the image clustering. This formula yields the distance between each pixel. Based on the ant colony algorithm mathematical model, the path of the ants is determined to identify the edges of the image segmentation. The skeletal boundary contour is then determined based on these image segmentation edges, where the image segmentation edges are numerically represented.

[0079] In one embodiment, determining the ant colony algorithm's mathematical model to identify the edges of image segmentation includes:

[0080] The ant's path is determined based on the guidance probability of the guidance function, where the guidance probability is calculated using the following formula:

[0081] ;

[0082] in, The guiding probability is given by R, where R is the cluster radius of the image, and x is the clustering radius. i and x j Let x be the number of pixels in the sample image, k be the ant number, and x be the number of ants. ik Let x represent the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the i-th pixel. jk This represents the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the j-th pixel.

[0083] To obtain the edges of image segmentation, the guiding probability of the guiding function needs to be obtained. Using cluster radius and Dividing by the distance yields the guiding function, and the guiding probability of the guiding function is... The value depends on the cluster radius, i.e., the probability that an ant chooses that path. The size of the cluster radius is proportional to the size of the atlantoaxial joint model, and is determined based on the guidance probability of the final guidance function. Determine the ant's path. Initialize a set of random ant paths in the image, calculate the gradient value of the pixels around each ant, and use it as the information perceived by the ant. Each ant chooses its next direction of movement based on the perceived information, updates its position, and updates the pheromone concentration based on pheromone evaporation. Repeat the steps of "each ant chooses its next direction of movement based on the perceived information, updates its position, and updates the pheromone concentration based on pheromone evaporation" until a stopping condition is met. The stopping condition includes reaching a target number of iterations. Generate image edge values ​​using an automated script to determine the image segmentation edges, and determine the optimal skeletal boundary contour based on the image segmentation edge values.

[0084] The optimal skeletal boundary contour in the atlantoaxial joint model is determined to more accurately determine the morphology of the atlantoaxial joint. By filling in the missing parts of the atlantoaxial joint model, a complete cervical spine model is accurately constructed. For clinical patients who need vertebral prosthesis replacement, a corresponding cervical spine model is constructed based on the patient's cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine model is customized according to the size and shape of the patient's vertebrae, thereby improving the accuracy of model construction.

[0085] S13. Identify the atlantoaxial sub-model and the axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model.

[0086] The atlantoaxial sub-model and axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model can be identified based on an object recognition model, or based on manually labeled results, the computer can identify the atlantoaxial sub-model and axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model. Figure 4 As shown, 43 is the atlas sub-model and 44 is the axis sub-model, for subsequent bone separation.

[0087] S14. Perform Boolean operations on the atlantoaxial sub-model and the pivot sub-model to separate the pivot sub-model and the atlantoaxial sub-model.

[0088] The atlas and axis sub-models overlap, causing them to interfere with each other when imported into a 3D printer, making 3D printing impossible. Therefore, a Boolean subtraction operation is needed to obtain completely separated atlas and axis sub-models. This separation does not mean disassembling the axis and atlas models, but rather using Boolean operations to obtain two non-interfering vertebrae, namely the atlas and axis. The Boolean operation function in the Mimics software is used to perform a Boolean operation between the axis and atlas sub-models to obtain the two non-interfering vertebrae for subsequent printing.

[0089] S15. The cervical spine model is determined based on the pivotal sub-model and atlas sub-model after Boolean operation.

[0090] Using the 3D reconstruction function (Calculate 3D) of the 3D reconstruction software Mimics, a virtual 3D model of the cervical vertebrae was determined based on the axis and atlas sub-models after Boolean operations, and the atlantoaxial joint model formed by the atlas and axis sub-models. This model is used for manufacturing prostheses or to provide a reference for medical diagnosis. The reconstructed cervical spine model is shown below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, 71 is the axis sub-model and 72 is the atlas sub-model. The cervical spine model is exported in STL format.

[0091] A 3D model of the virtual cervical spine was obtained by using the 3D reconstruction software Mimics. The artificial ant colony algorithm and Boolean operation were used to separate the lesions on the axis. Based on the patient's cervical vertebrae design, the cancellous bone area in the atlantoaxial joint was completely filled. The missing odontoid process, transverse process and vertebral curvature of the axis vertebral body were reconstructed to obtain a new vertebral model. The design of the vertebral curvature, transverse process and odontoid process of the joint is based on anatomical morphology and is more in line with the design and functional requirements of anatomical prosthesis.

[0092] The method for constructing the cervical spine model will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0093] Preoperative CT scans of the patient's cervical spine were performed to obtain CT data. This data was imported into the medical image processing software Mimics as a DICOM file. Appropriate thresholds were set to obtain a model covering part of the skull, the first to seventh cervical vertebrae, and the first and second thoracic vertebrae. Using the region growing function in Mimics, a cervical spine mask was created, and tissues outside the cervical spine were removed. The split mask function in Mimics was then used to separate the skull, the C3-C7 vertebral bodies of the cervical vertebrae, and the T1 and T2 thoracic vertebrae, leaving only the atlantoaxial joint model (C1 and C2 cervical vertebrae). Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the grayscale values ​​of the atlantoaxial joint model are determined as the first image segmentation feature, and the grayscale values ​​of adjacent regions of the atlantoaxial joint model are determined as the second image segmentation feature. The image segmentation features of the atlantoaxial joint model are input into an ant colony algorithm to construct a mathematical model of the ant colony search process. Based on the mathematical model of the ant colony algorithm, the ant's path is determined. The guidance probability of the guiding function, i.e., the probability of the ant choosing this path, is obtained based on the cluster radius. The ant's route is then determined based on the guidance probability obtained from the final guiding function. When the ant stops moving, an automated script generates image edge values ​​to determine the image segmentation edge. The optimal skeletal boundary contour is determined based on the analysis of the image segmentation edge values. After obtaining the optimal skeletal boundary contour, the edit function of the 3D reconstruction software Mimics is used to separate the lesion on the axis vertebra and fill the entire cancellous bone region in the atlantoaxial joint. The incomplete odontoid process, transverse process, and vertebral curvature of the vertebral body are reconstructed as follows. Figure 5 As shown, the Boolean operation function of the 3D reconstruction software Mimics is then used to perform Boolean operations on the axis and atlas to obtain the desired non-interference atlas and axis sub-models. The 3D reconstruction function (Calculate 3D) of Mimics is then used to construct a 3D model of the cervical vertebrae based on the atlas and axis sub-models obtained after the Boolean operation. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the 3D model of the vertebrae is exported in STL format.

[0094] This invention also provides a method for printing a cervical spine prosthesis, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the method for printing cervical spine prostheses includes the following steps:

[0095] S91. Construct a cervical spine model.

[0096] The cervical spine model was obtained according to the cervical spine model construction method described in the above embodiments.

[0097] S92. Export the target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model.

[0098] Import the STL format 3D model of the cervical spine (i.e., the 3D model of the axis vertebra) into Geomagic software, remove burrs from the model surface, perform optimization and smoothing processing to further improve the surface quality of the model, and then export an STL format file. The target format file can be, but is not limited to, an STL format file, which will be used for subsequent 3D printing.

[0099] S93. Import the target format file into the 3D printer for printing to obtain the cervical spine prosthesis.

[0100] The designed 3D model of the cervical spine is imported into a 3D printer as an STL file for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis. Figure 10and Figure 11 As shown.

[0101] To address the clinical needs of patients requiring vertebral prosthesis replacement, this invention enables the fabrication of personalized artificial cervical vertebrae. Based on the artificial ant colony algorithm, image segmentation is performed using skeletal boundary contour recognition. The patient's cervical vertebrae, joint curvature, transverse processes, and odontoid processes are designed according to anatomical morphology, better conforming to the design and functional requirements of anatomical prostheses. This method offers the advantage of personalized manufacturing, as the odontoid processes, transverse processes, and curvatures of the prosthesis closely resemble the morphology of normal joints, maximizing patient satisfaction while minimizing manufacturing costs.

[0102] In one embodiment, before exporting the target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model, the following steps are also included:

[0103] The cervical spine model is repaired; the repair process includes at least one of the following: optimization and smoothing, removal of excess structures on the surface of the cervical spine model, and smoothing.

[0104] To address the morphological deficiencies of the cervical spine model, we can improve the fit between the cervical spine prosthesis and the patient's normal joint morphology, thereby maximizing patient satisfaction and reducing prosthesis manufacturing costs.

[0105] In one embodiment, importing a target format file into a 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis includes:

[0106] Import the target format file into a 3D printer for printing to obtain the initial cervical spine prosthesis;

[0107] The initial cervical prosthesis is polished to obtain the final cervical prosthesis.

[0108] The designed personalized cervical vertebrae prosthesis model is imported into a 3D printer for printing to obtain the initial cervical vertebrae prosthesis. The vertebrae are then polished to obtain the personalized prosthesis. Polishing the prosthesis allows it to better integrate with the patient's tissue cells, reducing the chance of adverse symptoms. The material of the cervical vertebrae prosthesis is customized according to the actual situation, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0109] The printing method for cervical spine prostheses is explained further below:

[0110] The 3D reconstructed STL format cervical spine model is imported into Geomagic software. Surface burrs are removed, and optimization and smoothing processes are performed, including removing excess structures and smoothing the surface of the cervical spine model to further optimize the surface quality. Subsequently, the STL format file is exported, and the designed personalized cervical spine prosthesis model is imported into a 3D printer for printing. The vertebrae are then polished to obtain the personalized prosthesis.

[0111] This invention also provides a system for constructing a cervical spine model, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the system includes:

[0112] The acquisition module 121 is used to acquire an atlantoaxial joint model; the atlantoaxial joint model is obtained based on CT scan data;

[0113] The filling module 122 is used to fill the missing parts in the atlantoaxial joint model based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model; the skeletal boundary contour is determined based on the ant colony algorithm.

[0114] The identification module 123 is used to identify the atlantoaxial sub-model and the axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model;

[0115] The calculation module 124 is used to perform Boolean operations on the atlantoaxial sub-model and the pivot sub-model to separate the pivot sub-model and the atlantoaxial sub-model;

[0116] The first construction module 125 is used to determine the cervical spine model based on the pivot sub-model and the atlas sub-model after Boolean operation.

[0117] In one embodiment, the filling module is further configured to:

[0118] Based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, lesions on the atlantoaxial joint model are separated.

[0119] In one embodiment, the filling module is further configured to:

[0120] The image segmentation features of the atlantoaxial joint model are input into the ant colony algorithm to determine the mathematical model of the ant colony algorithm corresponding to the image segmentation features; the image segmentation features include the gray values ​​of the atlantoaxial joint model and the gray values ​​of the adjacent regions of the atlantoaxial joint model;

[0121] The ant colony algorithm mathematical model is used to determine the ant's path, thereby identifying the edges for image segmentation.

[0122] The bone boundary contour is determined based on the edges segmented from the image.

[0123] In one embodiment, the filling module is further configured to:

[0124] The ant's path is determined based on the guidance probability of the guidance function, where the guidance probability is calculated using the following formula:

[0125] ;

[0126] in, The guiding probability is given by R, where R is the cluster radius of the image, and x is the clustering radius. i and x j Let x be a pixel in the sample image, i be the i-th pixel, k be the ant number, and x be the ant number.ik Let x represent the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the i-th pixel. jk This represents the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the j-th pixel.

[0127] This invention also provides a printing system for cervical spine prostheses, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the printing system includes:

[0128] The second construction module 131 is used to construct a cervical spine model according to the cervical spine model construction system described in the above embodiments;

[0129] Export module 132 is used to export a target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model;

[0130] The printing module 133 is used to import the target format file into the 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis.

[0131] In one embodiment, the printing system further includes:

[0132] The repair module is used to repair the cervical spine model; the repair process includes at least one of the following: optimization and smoothing, removal of excess structures on the surface of the cervical spine model, and smoothing.

[0133] In one embodiment, the printing module is also used for:

[0134] The target format file is imported into a 3D printer for printing to obtain an initial cervical spine prosthesis;

[0135] The initial cervical prosthesis is polished to obtain a cervical prosthesis.

[0136] For the system embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of the present invention according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0137] This invention also provides an electronic device such as Figure 14 As shown, it includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and used to run on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method described in any of the above embodiments. Figure 14The electronic device 140 shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 14 As shown, the electronic device 140 can be manifested as a general-purpose computing device, such as a server device. The components of the electronic device 140 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processor 141, at least one memory 142, and a bus 143 connecting different system components (including memory 142 and processor 141).

[0138] Bus 143 includes a data bus, an address bus, and a control bus.

[0139] The memory 142 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 1421 and / or cache memory 1422, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 1423.

[0140] The memory 142 may also include a program tool 1425 (or utility) having a set (at least one) program module 1424, such program module 1424 including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0141] The processor 141 executes various functional applications and data processing, such as the methods described in any of the above embodiments, by running computer programs stored in the memory 142.

[0142] Electronic device 140 can also communicate with one or more external devices 144. This communication can be performed via input / output (I / O) interface 145. Furthermore, electronic device 140 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) via network adapter 146. Figure 14 As shown, network adapter 146 communicates with other modules of electronic device 140 via bus 143. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules may be used in conjunction with electronic device 140, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processors, external disk drive arrays, RAID (disk array) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0143] This invention also provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0144] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a cervical spine model, characterized in that, The construction method includes: A model of the atlantoaxial joint was obtained; the model of the atlantoaxial joint was obtained based on CT scan data. The image segmentation features of the atlantoaxial joint model are input into the ant colony algorithm to determine the mathematical model of the ant colony algorithm corresponding to the image segmentation features; the image segmentation features include the gray values ​​of the atlantoaxial joint model and the gray values ​​of the adjacent regions of the atlantoaxial joint model; The ant colony algorithm mathematical model is used to determine the ant's path, thereby identifying the edges for image segmentation. The bone boundary contour is determined based on the image segmentation edges, and the missing parts in the atlantoaxial joint model are filled; the bone boundary contour is determined based on the ant colony algorithm. Identify the atlantoaxial sub-model and axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model; Perform Boolean operations on the atlantoaxial sub-model and the pivot sub-model to separate the pivot sub-model and the atlantoaxial sub-model; The cervical spine model is determined based on the pivotal sub-model and the atlas sub-model after Boolean operations.

2. The construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before filling the missing portion in the atlantoaxial joint model with the skeletal boundary contour based on the atlantoaxial joint model, the method further includes: Based on the skeletal boundary contour of the atlantoaxial joint model, lesions on the atlantoaxial joint model are separated.

3. The construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the ant's path based on the ant colony algorithm mathematical model to determine the edges of image segmentation includes: The ant's path is determined based on the guidance probability of the guidance function, where the guidance probability is calculated using the following formula: ； in, The guiding probability is given by R, where R is the cluster radius of the image, and x is the clustering radius. i and x j Here, k represents the pixel in the sample image, and k is the ant number. x is a weighted value in the Euclidean distance between each pixel. ik Let x represent the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the i-th pixel. jk This represents the grayscale value of the k-th ant at the j-th pixel.

4. A method for printing a cervical spine prosthesis, characterized in that, The printing method includes: The cervical spine model is constructed using the method for constructing a cervical spine model according to any one of claims 1-3; Export the target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model; The target format file is imported into a 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis.

5. The printing method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Before exporting the target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model, the method further includes: The cervical spine model is repaired; the repair process includes at least one of the following: optimization and smoothing, removal of excess structures on the surface of the cervical spine model, and smoothing.

6. The printing method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The step of importing the target format file into a 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis includes: The target format file is imported into a 3D printer for printing to obtain an initial cervical spine prosthesis; The initial cervical prosthesis is polished to obtain a cervical prosthesis.

7. A system for constructing a cervical spine model, characterized in that, The construction system includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the atlantoaxial joint model; the atlantoaxial joint model is obtained based on CT scan data; A filling module is used to input the image segmentation features of the atlantoaxial joint model into an ant colony algorithm to determine the mathematical model of the ant colony algorithm corresponding to the image segmentation features; the image segmentation features include the gray values ​​of the atlantoaxial joint model and the gray values ​​of the adjacent regions of the atlantoaxial joint model; the ant colony algorithm mathematical model is used to determine the path of the ants to determine the edges of the image segmentation; the skeletal boundary contour is determined according to the edges of the image segmentation, and the missing parts in the atlantoaxial joint model are filled; the skeletal boundary contour is determined based on the ant colony algorithm; The identification module is used to identify the atlantoaxial sub-model and the axis sub-model in the atlantoaxial joint model; The calculation module is used to perform Boolean operations on the atlantoaxial sub-model and the pivot sub-model to separate the pivot sub-model and the atlantoaxial sub-model; The first construction module is used to determine the cervical spine model based on the pivot sub-model and the atlas sub-model after Boolean operation.

8. A printing system for a cervical spine prosthesis, characterized in that, The printing system includes: The second construction module is used to construct a cervical spine model using the cervical spine model construction system according to claim 7; The export module is used to export a target format file corresponding to the cervical spine model. The printing module is used to import the target format file into the 3D printer for printing to obtain a cervical spine prosthesis.

9. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and for running on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes a computer program, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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