Foot-Ankle Reference Body for Low-Radiation Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures involving traumatized bones face challenges with prolonged surgery duration and increased radiation exposure due to frequent imaging, which is necessary for precise repositioning and implant placement, as existing methods are radiation-intensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A reference body with radio-dense markers and a ground plate system that provides a reproducible reference to a virtual coordinate system, allowing precise localization during surgery by reducing the need for extensive imaging through a combination of fluoroscopic/x-ray imaging and optical navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent fluoroscopic/x-ray imaging is used for monitoring bone repositioning and implant placement, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but radiation exposure to the patient increases and surgery duration is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
A reference body with predetermined reference axes and markers is prepared and positioned on the patient's bone structure before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary setup creates a stable coordinate system that allows for reduced imaging frequency during surgery, as the reference body provides continuous spatial information without requiring repeated radiation-intensive imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference body acts as an intermediary between the surgical field and the imaging system. By placing known reference markers directly on the patient's anatomy, the system mediates the need for frequent imaging, allowing the navigation system to calculate bone and implant positions relative to the reference body rather than requiring continuous direct imaging of the surgical site.
2Measurement precision
If frequent fluoroscopic/x-ray imaging is used for monitoring bone repositioning and implant placement, then measurement precision is improved, but surgery duration is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The reference body is positioned and configured before the surgical procedure begins, establishing a permanent reference framework that eliminates the need for repeated imaging setup and calibration during surgery. This preliminary action reduces time loss by providing continuous spatial reference without requiring intermittent imaging pauses.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference body with its predetermined reference axes provides continuous feedback information to the navigation system throughout the surgical procedure. This real-time spatial reference allows the surgical team to monitor bone repositioning and implant placement accuracy without interrupting the surgical flow for repeated imaging, thereby reducing overall surgery duration while maintaining precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a reference body with predetermined reference axes is used, then the need for extensive imaging is reduced and radiation exposure is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference body is designed as a segmented system with multiple independent markers positioned along predetermined reference axes. This segmentation allows the reference body to be adapted to different anatomical sites and surgical procedures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each marker can be independently positioned and identified, simplifying the integration with the navigation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference body is designed with universal applicability across different anatomical regions and surgical procedures. The predetermined reference axes and marker configuration can be used for various bone structures and implant types, reducing the need for procedure-specific reference systems. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device complexity by providing a single versatile solution rather than multiple specialized systems.
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 enables precise surgical navigation with reduced radiation exposure by using a reference body that facilitates the creation of a virtual coordinate system, allowing for accurate repositioning and implant placement using discrete 2D images to approximate a 3D model, thereby shortening surgery duration and minimizing radiation impact.
Implementation Method 1
radio dense central marker located at a center of a virtual coordinate system for fluoroscopic/x-ray imaging
Implementation Method 2
radio dense main satellite markers each located on one of the main axes of the virtual coordinate system
Data Source
AI summary
Reference body and corresponding method for providing a reproducible reference to predetermined reference axes of a virtual coordinate system for fluoroscopic/x-ray imaging comprising a radio dense central marker located at a center of the virtual coordinate system, a plurality of radio dense main satellite markers each located on one of the main axes of the virtual coordinate system, so that a line between the center marker and one of the main satellite markers represent a main axis of the virtual coordinate system for reducing imaging effort and thus duration of the surgery, radiation impact on the patient, while maintaining exactness of the surgery.