External Fixation Frame Reference Body with Radiopaque Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
External fixation frames in orthopedic procedures face challenges in accurate placement and alignment due to difficulties in obtaining precisely perpendicular radiographic images, leading to potential inaccuracies in surgical planning and frame positioning.
Innovation Solution
The use of reference bodies with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns, such as barcodes or QR codes, integrated into the external fixation frame, which can be tracked by cameras to determine orientation and scale, facilitating precise alignment and adjustment of the frame relative to the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple radiographic reference bodies are placed on the external fixation frame to verify image orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reference bodies into a single integrated reference body that includes multiple markers with different known spatial relationships. This single reference body performs the function of multiple separate reference bodies, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for verifying image orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses markers arranged in three-dimensional space with known spatial relationships, allowing orientation verification through dimensional analysis. The markers are positioned at different heights and locations, enabling determination of frame orientation in multiple dimensions from two-dimensional radiographic images.
2Manufacturing precision
If two precisely perpendicular radiographic images are obtained for surgical planning, then manufacturing precision of frame placement is improved, but alignment difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides visual feedback through radiographic images showing the positions of markers with known spatial relationships. This feedback allows real-time verification of frame orientation and perpendicularity of images, enabling quick adjustment and confirmation without time-consuming alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers are pre-positioned on the external fixation frame during manufacturing with precise known spatial relationships. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment measurements during surgery, as the reference geometry is already established.
3Reliability
If multiple reference bodies are used to verify component positioning after daily adjustments, then reliability of frame positioning is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated reference body with multiple markers simplifies the verification process by providing all reference points in one component. This eliminates the need to locate and verify multiple separate reference bodies, making daily adjustment verification easier while maintaining positioning reliability.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of external fixation frame placement and adjustment, reducing alignment inaccuracies and improving surgical planning by providing reliable visual and computational references for proper orientation and scaling in radiographic images.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of markers may be radiopaque. An orientation of the external fixation frame with reference to the bone in an image may be determined from the pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are reference bodies for an external fixation frame and methods for using reference bodies for external fixation frame placement and arrangement. An external fixation frame according to the present disclosure may include first and second support rings, one or more wires coupled to any of the first and second support rings, one or more struts extending between the first and second support rings, and a reference body including a plurality of markers. The reference body may contact the one or more wires or the one or more struts. The plurality of markers may be arranged in a pattern to identify an orientation of the external fixation frame.