Computerized Bone Reconstruction Implant Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for reconstructing damaged bone structures using implants are inefficient and complex, particularly in finding a suitable implant and determining its optimal position within the affected bone structure.

Innovation Solution

A method involving atlas-based segmentation of diagnostic images to differentiate healthy and defective bone structures, followed by modeling a target structure for implant positioning, selecting a suitable implant, and automatically determining its optimal placement using computer-processed data and medical navigation systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to find suitable implants and determine their position, then the process allows flexibility in decision-making, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction preparation efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of implant selection and positioning with an automated computer-based system. The computer automatically determines suitable implants and their optimal positions by processing medical images and comparing them with implant database entries, eliminating the need for manual measurement and selection processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the computer to autonomously perform implant selection and positioning without requiring continuous manual intervention. The automated system processes patient data, evaluates implant options, and determines optimal placement independently, reducing dependency on manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional imaging and manual measurement methods are used, then the equipment requirements are simple, but the precision of implant positioning is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant positioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools with automated image processing and computer analysis. The system uses medical images (CT or MRI) processed by computer algorithms to precisely determine implant positioning, achieving higher accuracy than manual measurement methods while managing system complexity through software automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom implants are designed for each patient, then the fit and function are optimized, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a database of pre-designed implant entries that can serve multiple patients with similar anatomical characteristics. The computer selects from these standardized entries based on automated analysis of patient images, providing customized solutions through standardized components, thereby reducing manufacturing time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing and storing implant designs in a database before actual patient treatment. Implant entries are prepared in advance with standardized measurements and configurations, allowing rapid selection and deployment during patient-specific cases without requiring de novo design and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2685924B1Method for preparing the reconstruction of a damaged bone structure
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 BRAINLAB AG
  • EP2685924B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2685924B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for preparing the reconstruction of a damaged bone structure using an implant, comprising the following steps which are carried out by a computer (2): a) performing atlas segmentation on a structure dataset which represent the structure to be reconstructed, and determining healthy objects and defective objects within the damaged structure; b) determining a target structure by modelling replacements for the defective objects within the damaged structure; c) selecting an implant on the basis of the target structure, and providing a shape dataset which represents the shape of the implant; d) positioning the selected implant in order to find the optimum implant position; e) determining whether or not the selected implant is suitable, and returning to step c) if the implant is determined to not be suitable; and f) exporting the suitable implant to a medical navigation process.