Fracture Reduction Navigation Using Infrared Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fracture closed reduction surgery rely on X-ray fluoroscopy or CT-scanning, which expose patients and medical staff to radiation, and do not provide precise visualization of broken bones without direct observation.
Innovation Solution
A method using preoperative and intraoperative positioning devices with metallic and infrared-tracking capable plastic balls, respectively, to determine the spatial pose of broken bones without radiation, by establishing a matching relation between positioning devices and bone segments through CT-scanning and infrared tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray fluoroscopy or CT-scanning is used to obtain broken bone information, then the position and shape of broken bones can be obtained, but radiation damage occurs to both the patient and medical staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning devices with positioning balls as intermediaries between the broken bones and the imaging system. These positioning devices are attached to the broken bone segments and serve as mediators that can be tracked by infrared cameras, eliminating the need for continuous X-ray or CT scanning during surgery while still providing precise positional information.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices with positioning balls are attached to the broken bone segments before surgery begins. This preliminary action establishes a tracking reference system that allows for continuous monitoring of bone position during surgery without requiring repeated radiation exposure, as the positioning balls can be tracked by infrared imaging.
2Measurement precision
If preoperative positioning devices are used with CT-scanning, then accurate positioning data can be obtained, but the devices cannot be directly fixed over the lesion for real-time tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static preoperative positioning to dynamic intraoperative tracking by using positioning devices that remain attached to the broken bone segments throughout surgery. The positioning balls on these devices can be continuously tracked by infrared cameras, allowing real-time monitoring of bone position and movement during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices serve multiple functions: they provide reference points for preoperative CT scanning, attach to the broken bone segments for intraoperative tracking, and enable real-time position monitoring through infrared-capable positioning balls. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate preoperative and intraoperative positioning systems.
3Measurement precision
If metal positioning balls are used for CT-scanning, then accurate preoperative positioning is achieved, but they cannot be tracked by infrared light during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the positioning balls from metal to plastic with infrared reflective coating. This parameter change allows the positioning balls to be visible to infrared cameras during surgery while maintaining their positioning function. The plastic material with infrared coating replaces the metal material that was only suitable for CT scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning balls have different local qualities: they are made of plastic material with infrared reflective coating on their surface. This local quality modification allows them to be tracked by infrared cameras during surgery while maintaining their spherical shape and positioning function, bridging the gap between preoperative CT scanning and intraoperative infrared tracking.
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 allows for precise real-time display of broken bone segments during surgery, reducing radiation exposure and enhancing positioning accuracy, thereby improving surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
identifying indicator balls of the intraoperative positioning devices using infrared light tracking to determine ball center coordinates of the indicator balls
Implementation Method 2
performing CT-scanning to obtain image information of broken bones and the preoperative positioning devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for positioning and navigation of a fracture closed reduction surgery, comprising: installing preoperative positioning devices (1), performing CT-scanning to obtain image information of broken bones and the preoperative positioning devices; determining data information of broken bone segments and of positioning balls of the preoperative positioning devices(1); taking a broken bone segment and a preoperative positioning device (1) as a group to divide the obtained data information into data groups, determining ball center coordinates of the positioning balls (9); determining a matching relation between each preoperative positioning device (1) and the corresponding broken bone segment based on the ball center coordinates of the positioning balls(9); detaching the preoperative positioning devices(1), and installing intraoperative positioning devices (11); identifying indicator balls (14) of the intraoperative positioning devices (11) using infrared light tracking to determine ball center coordinates of the indicator balls in each intraoperative positioning device(11).