Automated 3D Reference Grids and Anatomical Frames for ACL Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the anatomical reference frames (ARF) for femoral and tibial tunnels in ACL reconstruction surgeries are unreliable due to manual processes prone to observer variability and require extensive patient-specific data, leading to inaccuracies in tunnel placement.
Innovation Solution
A computerized methodology that automatically places Bernard-Hertel's grid and determines ARF using a 3D model of the distal femur by aligning medial and lateral condyles, and a 3D model of the proximal tibia by identifying the tibial plateau, enabling accurate and efficient placement of reference grids without reliance on template models or extensive patient data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual processes are used to place reference grids and determine anatomical reference frames, then the methodology is simple to implement, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to observer variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with a computerized automated system that uses 3D imaging and algorithmic calculations to determine anatomical reference frames and place reference grids, eliminating observer variability and improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes 3D images and computes anatomical reference frames without requiring manual intervention, allowing the methodology to self-determine accurate tunnel placement coordinates through algorithmic analysis of bone geometry
2Reliability
If manual placement of Bernard-Hertel's grid is used, then the process is straightforward, but reliability deteriorates due to inter-observer variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual grid placement with an automated computerized system that algorithmically determines and places the Bernard-Hertel's grid on 3D bone models, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements across different observers
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the bone anatomy from 3D images and automatically superimposes the reference grid on this digital model, eliminating the need for manual placement and ensuring reproducible results
3Productivity
If template models are used for automatic ARF determination, then productivity increases, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to handle patient-specific variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent analyzes local geometric features of the bone anatomy such as condyle shapes and articulation surfaces to automatically determine anatomical reference frames, allowing the system to adapt to patient-specific variations while maintaining high productivity through automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts reference frame parameters based on the specific 3D anatomical geometry detected from patient images, enabling adaptation to different patient anatomies while maintaining rapid automated determination through algorithmic parameter calculation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for a computerized framework that provides novel mechanisms for determining the automatic placement of a reference grid and an anatomical reference frame (ARF) of a bone. The disclosed framework is operational for the enablement of computerized mechanisms that, based on a three-dimensional (3D) model of a distal femur, can determine, provide and/or display the anatomically correct positions of femoral tunnels and/or other forms of surgical landmarks surgeons rely on for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) procedures. The disclosed framework is also operational for the enablement of computerized mechanisms that, based on a three-dimensional (3D) model of a proximal tibia, can determine, provide and/or display the anatomically correct positions of tibial tunnels and/or other forms of surgical landmarks surgeons rely on for ACL procedures.