2D-to-3D Meniscus Shape Prediction for Tailored Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no existing method for predicting the tertiary structure of a patient-tailored implant, particularly for damaged knee cartilage, which is crucial for the success of meniscus transplantation.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that predict the 3D shape of a patient-tailored implant by modeling the correlation between 2D and 3D meniscus shapes using a processor, measuring shape features from 2D and 3D images, and employing a regressive CNN to generate a meniscus shape prediction model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If no prediction method is used, then the exact size of cartilage cannot be determined, but this leads to failure of meniscus transplantation procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexact size of cartilageVSAvoidsuccess of meniscus transplantation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement and estimation methods with an automated image processing system that uses 2D/3D image correlation and regression analysis to predict cartilage geometry, thereby achieving precise measurement without physical measurement tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces 2D/3D image correlation as an intermediary method to bridge the gap between available 2D imaging data and the required 3D cartilage geometry information, enabling accurate size determination through computational modeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If general implant sizes are used, then the procedure can be performed, but treatment effectiveness is reduced due to lack of patient tailoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient-tailored implantVSAvoid3D shape prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses regression analysis to establish mathematical relationships between 2D image parameters and 3D cartilage geometry parameters, enabling customization of implant dimensions based on individual patient imaging data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary 3D shape prediction and customization before implant fabrication, allowing the implant design to be tailored to the specific patient's cartilage geometry in advance of manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4600903A1Device and method for predicting tertiary structure of patient-tailored implants

Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SAMSUNG LIFE PUBLIC WELFARE FOUND

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AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for predicting a 3D structure of a patient-tailored implant, including a memory that stores at least one instruction for predicting the 3D structure of the patient-tailored implant, and a processor that executes an operation according to the instruction, wherein the processor models a correlation between a 2D meniscus shape and a 3D meniscus shape, and predicts the 3D meniscus shape based on 3D shape features derived from modeling results.