ACL Tunnel Positioning Using 3D Landmark Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for selecting tunnel positions during anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are time-consuming and labor-intensive, relying heavily on the surgeon's experience, leading to potential surgical failures due to inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel position determination system and method that includes a point collecting and modeling device for establishing femoral and tibial coordinate systems, selecting feature points using a probe under arthroscopy, and determining tunnel positions through a preset reconstruction algorithm, assisted by a mechanical arm for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tunnel position selection relies on doctor's experience, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but positioning accuracy decreases and surgery becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D reconstruction of the knee joint anatomy and pre-calculates optimal tunnel positions before surgery. During surgery, the system quickly acquires current joint geometry and compares it with pre-planned positions, dramatically reducing intraoperative decision time while maintaining high positioning accuracy through pre-established anatomical references
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical method of experience-based point selection with an automated computer vision and image processing system. The system uses arthroscopic images to automatically identify anatomical landmarks, construct 3D models, and calculate precise tunnel positions algorithmically, eliminating time-consuming manual measurement and positioning while improving accuracy through consistent computational geometry
2Reliability
If tunnel position selection relies on doctor's experience, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but reliability of surgical outcome decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single integrated platform: arthroscopic image acquisition, 3D joint reconstruction, anatomical landmark identification, tunnel position calculation, and mechanical arm guidance. This multi-functional integration improves reliability by ensuring all positioning steps follow the same standardized protocol while managing complexity through unified software architecture that handles diverse tasks coherently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer vision-based 3D reconstruction model as an intermediary between 2D arthroscopic images and the actual tunnel drilling process. This virtual 3D model serves as a mediator that translates visual information into precise spatial coordinates, guiding the mechanical arm with high accuracy. The intermediary layer filters out measurement errors and provides a reliable virtual reference framework that enhances surgical outcome consistency
3Manufacturing precision
If standardized tunnel position method is implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tunnel positioning process into distinct modular components: image acquisition module, 3D reconstruction module, landmark detection module, position calculation module, and mechanical arm control module. Each module handles a specific aspect of positioning independently, improving precision through specialized processing while managing overall system complexity through clear functional separation and standardized interfaces between modules
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a tunnel position determination system and method for anterior/posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, which relate to the technical field of ligament reconstruction. The system includes: a coordinate system establishment module for establishing a femoral coordinate system and a tibial coordinate system; a feature point selection module for selecting femoral feature points and tibial feature points; and a tunnel position determination module for determining a femoral point and a tibial point during reconstruction on the basis of the femoral feature points and the tibial feature points, and determining a specific tunnel position of an anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction tunnel by means of the femoral point and the tibial point. The present disclosure provides a method for selecting the femoral point and the tibial point during tunnel reconstruction, such that a specific path of a formed reconstruction tunnel is more accurate.