Bone Visualization Using Angled 2D Slices for Low-Radiation 3D Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical procedures involving intraoperative imaging for bone fractures require multiple X-ray images, leading to excessive radiation exposure for both patients and surgeons, and high computational costs due to full 3D visual representations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing 2D images taken from different angles to create a partial 3D visual representation of bones, using 2D slices arranged based on imaging angles, without full 3D reconstruction, supported by fiducial markers for spatial orientation, and reducing the number of visualized primary structures to enhance spatial understanding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If full 3D visual representations are created from multiple 2D images, then spatial information completeness is improved, but radiation exposure and computational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial information completenessVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by creating a partial 3D visual representation rather than a complete 3D reconstruction. The system selectively visualizes only certain anatomical structures (e.g., bone fragments, implants) while omitting others, thereby reducing the number of 2D images required and minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining sufficient spatial information for surgical decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of information

If full 3D visual representations are created from multiple 2D images, then spatial information completeness is improved, but computational expense increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial information completenessVSAvoidcomputational expense
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial 3D reconstruction by processing only selected 2D images and visualizing only relevant structures. This reduces computational expense by avoiding the processing of all possible anatomical structures while maintaining sufficient spatial information through intelligent selection of input images and visualization targets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If 2D images are taken from multiple angles, then spatial understanding is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial understandingVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes a partial approach by acquiring 2D images from only the necessary angles rather than capturing all possible views. By identifying and visualizing only the critical spatial relationships needed for surgical planning, the system reduces the number of imaging angles required, thereby minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining adequate spatial understanding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces radiation exposure and computational demands while providing essential surgical information, allowing surgeons to reconstruct 3D spatial awareness efficiently using their expertise and experience.

Implementation Method 1

The 2D images may be X-ray images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray imaging: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3500174B1Method for visualizing a bone
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLC
  • EP3500174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3500174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3500174B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method and a corresponding system are provided. The method comprises steps of providing 2D images and subsequently detecting outlines of a primary structure in each of the images. A visual representation of the 2D images is generated and the 2D images are then arranged as 2D slices in a 3D visual representation. To this end, at least two of the 2D images are taken at different imaging angles. The method provides a 3D visual representation of a region of interest comprising a primary structure to support a spatial sense of a user.