Deformed Grid Intra-Operative Alignment for Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiographic imaging technologies face challenges in accurately aligning and positioning implants during surgeries like total hip arthroplasty and trauma fracture reductions due to image distortion, which complicates the precise placement of acetabular components and bone fragment realignment.
Innovation Solution
A distorted dimensioned grid alignment device and method that uses a distortion calibration array to correct anatomical images by registering anatomical landmarks and deforming the grid to match the image distortion, enabling real-time intra-operative adaptation and alignment of implants and anatomy through a computer-readable storage medium with data capture, grid registration, and distortion adaptation modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional radiographic imaging is used for implant positioning, then the imaging system is simple and easy to operate, but image distortion occurs which reduces positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
A distortion calibration array is introduced as an intermediary element between the imaging system and the anatomical structures. This array captures the distortion characteristics of the radiographic system, which are then used to correct subsequent images. The calibration array acts as a mediator that enables the system to compensate for distortion without requiring fundamental changes to the imaging hardware, thus improving positioning precision while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distortion calibration array is imaged and analyzed before the actual surgical procedure to pre-determine the distortion characteristics of the radiographic system. This preliminary action creates a distortion map that is stored and applied during subsequent imaging. By performing the calibration beforehand, the system can quickly correct images during surgery without adding real-time complexity to the imaging process.
2Measurement precision
If a distortion calibration array is used to correct image distortion, then positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity and calibration process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion calibration array creates a digital copy or map of the distortion characteristics present in the radiographic system. Instead of physically correcting distortion in the imaging hardware, the system creates a computational model of the distortion that can be applied to subsequent images. This copying approach allows for precise correction while keeping the physical imaging system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the calibration array (such as the spacing and positioning of radiopaque elements) to optimize the accuracy of distortion measurement. By carefully designing the parameters of the calibration array, the system achieves high precision in characterizing distortion while maintaining a relatively simple calibration process that can be completed in a standard radiographic image.
3Speed
If intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance is used, then real-time imaging is available, but image distortion complicates precise implant placement
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion calibration is performed beforehand to pre-determine the distortion characteristics of the fluoroscopic system. This preliminary calibration creates a correction model that can be rapidly applied during real-time imaging without slowing down the surgical workflow. The distortion map is stored and automatically applied to subsequent fluoroscopic images, enabling both real-time guidance and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The distortion calibration array serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the distorted fluoroscopic images and the true anatomical positions. By capturing the distortion characteristics in a controlled setting, the array enables the system to translate distorted image coordinates into accurate anatomical references, thus maintaining real-time imaging capability while improving placement precision.
4Ease of operation
If manual judgment is used for fracture reduction, then no additional devices are needed, but the accuracy of anatomical realignment is uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion calibration array acts as an intermediary reference system that provides objective measurement capabilities for fracture reduction. By establishing known reference points in the calibration array, surgeons can objectively measure the position of fracture fragments and assess alignment accuracy, moving beyond subjective manual judgment while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual judgment with an automated image processing and measurement system. The distortion calibration enables computer-assisted measurement of anatomical structures and implant positions, substituting the mechanical process of manual assessment with a more precise digital measurement approach that reduces human error while keeping the surgical workflow straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of this invention is a system and method for distortion adaptation for use with an imaging grid alignment apparatus (analogue or digital) and method of intra-operative use for joint replacements, spine, trauma fracture reductions and deformity correction and implant placement/alignment. The system provides for real time dynamic position tracked distortion-adaption grid.