3D Lower Limb Alignment Measurement for Hip Version and Tibial Torsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring lower limb alignment, particularly hip version and tibial torsion, lack accuracy and reliability, leading to inadequate correction of coronal, sagittal, and axial plane misalignments, which increases the risk of musculoskeletal pathologies and joint deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a three-dimensional scan of the lower limb to identify axes of symmetry for femoral neck and tibial torsion, using reference points and angles between these axes to determine hip version and tibial torsion, providing a comprehensive assessment of axial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two-dimensional radiographs are used to measure lower limb alignment, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of axial (transverse) plane alignment measurement is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional radiograph-based measurement to three-dimensional surface scan-based measurement. The 3D scanning system captures the lower limb surface geometry in three dimensions, enabling accurate measurement of axial (transverse) plane alignment parameters such as hip version and tibial torsion that cannot be adequately assessed with 2D radiographs alone.
2Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to measure hip version and tibial torsion, then the measurement process is straightforward, but the reliability and accuracy of the measurements are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical and radiographic measurement methods with an optical 3D scanning system. The scanner captures detailed surface geometry of the lower limb, and computer algorithms automatically identify anatomical landmarks and calculate alignment parameters, providing more reliable and repeatable measurements while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional scanning is implemented to measure lower limb alignment, then measurement accuracy and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D scanning system is designed to be self-contained and automated. The scanner automatically captures the lower limb surface geometry, the computer system automatically identifies anatomical landmarks from the scan data, and the alignment parameters are automatically calculated and displayed. This automation reduces the need for complex manual measurement procedures and specialized operator skills, making the sophisticated system easier to use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining axial alignment of a lower limb includes determining a three-dimensional volume based on a scan of a lower limb of a patient, identifying a level of hip version by referring to a first axis of symmetry of a femoral neck and a second axis of symmetry of a distal portion of a femur, wherein hip version is defined by an angle between the first axis of symmetry and the second the second axis of symmetry, identifying a level of tibial torsion by referring to a third axis of symmetry of a proximal portion of a tibia and a fourth axis of symmetry of a distal portion of the tibia, wherein tibial torsion is defined by an angle between the third axis of symmetry and the fourth axis of symmetry, and providing the level of hip version and the level of tibial torsion to a user.