Automated Bone-Implant Biomechanical Analysis Using Pre-Constructed Meshes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for patient-specific biomechanical analysis of bone-implant systems are not automated enough for clinical use, requiring technical expertise and being inefficient for real-time application, especially in cases of complex bone geometries and varied implant designs, leading to difficulties in sizing and positioning implants optimally.
Innovation Solution
A system for automated finite element analysis of bone-implant systems using pre-constructed non-patient-specific meshes, which can be easily adapted to any patient's anatomy without requiring expertise in finite element modeling, allowing for rapid and accurate modeling of the bone-implant interface and surrounding tissue, enabling intra-operative use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional finite element modeling techniques are used for patient-specific bone-implant analysis, then analysis accuracy is improved, but automation capability deteriorates and requires expert user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the 3D medical image data to extract bone geometry and implant position information before the finite element analysis. This preprocessing step automatically prepares the necessary input data structures, eliminating the need for expert users to manually prepare mesh models and boundary conditions, thus improving automation while maintaining analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software system that acts as a mediator between the medical imaging data and the finite element analysis engine. This intermediary automatically performs image segmentation, geometry extraction, and analysis setup, translating complex medical images into standardized input formats for finite element modeling without requiring expert intervention
2Measurement precision
If detailed patient-specific finite element models are created, then surgical planning accuracy is improved, but computation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing the detailed finite element analysis only on the critical bone-implant interface region rather than modeling the entire bone structure with equal detail. This localized approach maintains surgical planning accuracy for the implant site while significantly reducing the overall computation time and model complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bone-implant system into distinct regions: a detailed finite element model of the implant and surrounding bone interface, and a coarser model of the remaining bone structure. This segmentation allows high-precision analysis where needed while using simplified models elsewhere, balancing accuracy and computation time
3Productivity
If automated algorithms are implemented for biomechanical assessment, then clinical routine applicability is improved, but handling of complex bone geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using adaptive mesh refinement that automatically adjusts the finite element mesh density based on local geometric complexity. In regions with complex bone geometries or high stress concentrations, the mesh is automatically refined with smaller elements, while in simpler regions, coarser meshes are used. This maintains both automation and geometric versatility
4Manufacturing precision
If expert user input is required to adjust finite element meshes, then mesh quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated mesh generation and quality assessment system that performs what previously required expert intervention. The software automatically generates initial meshes, evaluates element quality metrics, and iteratively refines the mesh to meet quality standards without user input, making the process easy to operate while maintaining high mesh quality
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing information for surgical planning based on automated biomechanical analysis of a bone-implant system using finite element analysis of a patient's 3D medical image, including automated biomechanical analysis of bone-implant systems for use in surgical planning both pre-operatively and intra-operatively and for use in research and development studies.