Bone Image Segmentation for Accurate Arthroplasty Jig Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating customized arthroplasty jigs rely heavily on manual manipulation of bone models on a computer screen, leading to inefficiencies in time, manpower, and costs, and lack accuracy in alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for image segmentation that automates the generation of customized arthroplasty jigs by partitioning bone images into regions, generating 3D mesh representations, and refining registrations to improve accuracy and reduce labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of bone models is used to generate customized arthroplasty jigs, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of bone models with an automated computer-based system. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically segment bone images, generate 3D mesh representations, and create jig designs without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating time consumption while maintaining design flexibility through software-based customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the computer automatically performs bone model segmentation, 3D reconstruction, and jig design generation based on input images. The automated workflow processes medical images through multiple computational stages (segmentation, mesh generation, jig design) without human intervention, reducing labor costs and time while maintaining adaptability through programmable parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of bone models is used to generate customized arthroplasty jigs, then adaptability to individual cases is maintained, but manpower requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual professional manipulation with an automated computer-based system that performs image segmentation, 3D mesh generation, and jig design. This eliminates manpower requirements while maintaining customization capability through software algorithms that can process individual patient images and generate case-specific jig designs automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate digital copies of patient-specific bone structures through image segmentation and 3D mesh generation. These digital models serve as virtual replicas that can be manipulated and used to design customized jigs without requiring physical handling or manual manipulation by personnel, thereby reducing manpower while preserving adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of bone models is used, then flexibility in jig design is maintained, but alignment accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual manipulation with automated image processing and computational algorithms that precisely segment bone images and generate 3D models. This automated approach eliminates human error in measurement and alignment while maintaining design flexibility through programmable parameters, thereby improving manufacturing precision without sacrificing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated segmentation and 3D model generation before jig design, establishing accurate reference frameworks and alignment data in advance. This preliminary computational work ensures precise alignment measurements are captured before any design decisions are made, improving manufacturing precision while allowing flexible design modifications in subsequent digital stages.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a method of partitioning an image of a bone into a plurality of regions, where the method may include obtaining a plurality of volumetric image slices of the bone, generating a plurality of spline curves associated with the bone, verifying that at least one of the plurality of spline curves follow a surface of the bone, and creating a 3D mesh representation based upon the at least one of the plurality of spline curve.