Bone Fracture Treatment via 2D/3D Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating bone fractures using stabilization implants face challenges in accurately determining the optimal position and angle of fastening elements due to reliance on two-dimensional x-ray images, which can lead to penetration through the bone or damage to surrounding tissue, especially when only a single projection is available during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a database of 3D image data records from previous implantations, where a two-dimensional x-ray image is registered with selected 3D data records to calculate deviation values, determining a reference data record with the lowest deviation, and using this to derive implantation parameters for the stabilization implant and fastening elements, thereby improving planning and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple x-ray images are recorded during surgery to plan implantation, then the accuracy of implant position determination is improved, but the surgery time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-acquiring 3D image data records (CT or MRI scans) of the patient's bone structure before surgery. These pre-acquired 3D images are then used during surgery to determine optimal implant positions and fastening element parameters without requiring multiple intraoperative x-ray images, thus reducing surgery time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's bone structure from pre-acquired 3D image data. This virtual 3D model is then used during surgery to plan and verify implant placement, replacing the need for multiple actual x-ray images and reducing both surgery time and radiation exposure
2Productivity
If a single x-ray projection is used during surgery for implant planning, then the surgery time is reduced, but the accuracy of determining fastening element angle and position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D x-ray projections to 3D image data records for implant planning. By using 3D CT or MRI scans, the system provides comprehensive spatial information about bone structure and fracture geometry, enabling accurate determination of fastening element angles and positions without requiring multiple 2D x-ray projections
3Adaptability or versatility
If the angular range for fastening elements is increased to +/−15° to improve bone fragment fixation options, then the versatility of implant fastening is improved, but the risk of penetrating through the bone and damaging surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the 3D image data to calculate and display the optimal fastening element angle and length before actual implantation. The system provides real-time verification of whether the planned fastening element parameters will achieve secure fixation without penetrating through the bone, allowing the surgeon to adjust parameters based on this feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error approach of physically testing different fastening element angles with a computational system that uses 3D image data to calculate the optimal angle and length. This substitution of mechanical verification with computational analysis eliminates the need to physically test multiple angles, reducing the risk of tissue damage while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fracture is treated by employing a database with comparison data records. The records each include at least one 3D image data record of at least one bone. Each comparison data record is assigned to an examination object, into which a comparison implant was implanted prior to recording the 3D image data record. A two-dimensional x-ray image of a target bone is generated. A 2D/3D registration of the x-ray image with 3D image data records is effected and a deviation value is calculated for each comparison data record. A reference data record is determined by selecting the comparison data record that includes the 3D image data record with the lowest deviation value. An implantation parameter is determined which describes a parameter of the implant and/or of a fastening element for fastening the implant, using the reference data record and/or displaying data of the reference data record on a display.