DXA Tomographic Finite Element Bone Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DXA imaging systems have limitations in accurately determining bone strength due to reliance on bone mineral density calculations, which do not account for stress and strain on bones, and face challenges in reconstructing accurate 3D finite element analysis models from limited 2D DXA images.
Innovation Solution
The system obtains multiple 2D dual-energy DXA images at different angles during a single pass, reconstructs 2D planar slice images, and modifies finite element analysis models with this information to enhance the accuracy of bone structure analysis, providing enhanced volumetric imaging and reduced error in 3D model representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional DXA imaging systems use bone mineral density calculations, then the measurement is simple and non-invasive, but the accuracy of bone strength determination is limited because stress and strain on bones are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D DXA imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by acquiring multiple 2D images at different angles and reconstructing them into three-dimensional representations. This dimensional enhancement allows for more accurate bone strength determination by incorporating spatial information about bone structure, density distribution, and mechanical properties throughout the volume, thereby accounting for stress and strain patterns that cannot be captured in two dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the bone structure into multiple volumetric elements or voxels, allowing for localized analysis of bone density and mechanical properties. By segmenting the bone into discrete three-dimensional units, the system can calculate stress and strain distributions across different regions, identifying areas of weakness more accurately than traditional whole-bone or regional DXA measurements.
2Loss of information
If multiple 2D DXA images are obtained at different angles, then more information on bone structure is obtained, but the complexity of reconstructing accurate 3D finite element analysis models increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized software algorithms and computational processing as intermediaries between the acquired 2D DXA images and the final 3D finite element models. These intermediary tools automatically perform the complex tasks of image alignment, volumetric reconstruction, and model generation, transforming multiple 2D projections into accurate 3D representations without requiring manual intervention. This intermediary processing layer manages the complexity of 3D reconstruction while maximizing the extraction of bone structure information from the multi-angle 2D images.
3Measurement precision
If finite element analysis models are modified with DXA image information, then the assessment of bone density and fracture risk is improved, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the DXA images to pre-generate three-dimensional volumetric data and pre-construct finite element models before the actual analysis is required. By preparing the 3D models and organizing the bone structure data in advance, the system reduces the computational burden during the final analysis phase. This preliminary action allows for faster execution of stress-strain simulations and fracture risk assessments while maintaining high accuracy, as the foundational 3D framework is already established and optimized for computational analysis.
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
This approach provides more detailed information on bone structure and strength, reducing errors in 3D finite element analysis models and improving the assessment of bone density and fracture risk by incorporating stress and strain data.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source 104 (typically composed of an x-ray generator, an x-ray tube, an x-ray filter and an x-ray collimator) that is movable with respect to the table 102 below the patient 101
Implementation Method 2
measuring a specific bone or bones... The density of these bones is then compared with an average index... The measurement is painless and non-invasive and involves low radiation exposure
Implementation Method 3
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA)... works by measuring a specific bone or bones... The density of these bones is then compared with an average index based on age, sex, and size
Implementation Method 4
reconstructs 2D planar slice images... obtained multiple 2D dual-energy DXA images at different angles during a single pass
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system 100 utilizes 2D DXA images obtained in a tomographic imaging process or mode in order to provide more detailed information to the operator of the bone structure of the patient. The imaging system 100 obtains multiple 2D DXA images 14 at different angles with regard to the patient in a number of passes across the body of the patient 101. These 2D DXA images 14 can then be utilized to reconstruct at least one 2D slice of the body of the patient, such as in a plane parallel to the plane of a patient support surface, such as a scanner table. The information provided by the tomographic reconstruction provides enhancements to the process of modifying a 3D FEA model 20 associated to an already available set of tomographic reconstructed slices selected from the comparison with the current tomographic reconstructed slices. In this manner, the system 100 and method provide a significant reduction in the error of the resulting modified 3D FEA model 20 for review and analysis compared to a 2D approach.