Joint Test Data Visualization Using 3D Bone Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint testing methods, such as the Dial test and Lachman test, are limited by their subjective nature and the difficulty in interpreting load-deformation curves, which can be complex due to movement in six degrees of freedom, making it challenging to accurately diagnose knee injuries and ligament damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a processor to generate three-dimensional representations and graphical plots of joint movement during testing, incorporating planes with fixed positions and orientations relative to bones, allowing for animated visualization and playback of joint movement, facilitating the interpretation of test data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load-deformation curves are used to present joint test data, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the joint movement by generating a plane that mirrors the movement of the mobile bone relative to the stationary bone. This visual copy makes the complex six-degree-of-freedom movement more interpretable while preserving the precise measurement data, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the interpretation of joint movement from a complex multi-dimensional load-deformation curve into a two-dimensional visual representation showing the movement of a mobile bone relative to a stationary bone. This dimensional transformation maintains measurement precision while significantly improving ease of interpretation for clinicians
2Measurement precision
If multiple load-deformation curves are used to characterize joint condition, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple load-deformation curves into a single integrated visual representation. By combining the information from multiple curves into one unified display showing mobile bone movement relative to stationary bone, the system maintains comprehensive measurement precision while reducing the complexity of evaluating multiple separate curves
3Ease of operation
If manual testing by individual medical personnel is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subjective evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes the raw test data and generates the visual plane representation. This intermediary automatically translates complex multi-dimensional joint movement data into an easily interpretable visual format, maintaining both ease of operation for the clinician and high measurement precision through automated analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of evaluating a joint includes obtaining test data indicative of movement of the joint during a test of the joint, generating visualization data for a three-dimensional representation of the joint to be rendered via a display, generating plane data for a representation of a plane to be rendered via the display with the three-dimensional representation of the joint, the plane having a position and an orientation fixed relative to a bone of the joint, adjusting the visualization data to animate the three-dimensional representation to depict, via the display, the movement of the joint during the test, and adjusting the plane data to update the position and the orientation of the plane in accordance with the movement of the joint.