MRI Image Orientation for Custom Arthroplasty Jig 3D Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems for generating 3D bone models for customized arthroplasty jigs are inefficient due to long imaging times, radiation exposure from CT scans, and the difficulty for patients to remain still, leading to repeated MRI procedures and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving optimized MRI image resolution and spacing, along with electronic orientation of image slices, to reduce imaging time and improve the usability of MRI images for creating 3D bone models, allowing for the generation of customized arthroplasty jigs with improved efficiency and reduced patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI imaging is used to generate high-resolution 2D images for 3D bone models, then image resolution is improved, but imaging time increases to 30-45 minutes or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring MRI images at reduced resolution (128x128 to 256x256 matrix) rather than full high resolution, which is sufficient for 3D bone model generation. This reduces imaging time from 30-45 minutes to approximately 15 minutes while maintaining adequate image quality for the intended application of creating customized arthroplasty jigs.
2Loss of time
If CT imaging is used instead of MRI, then imaging time is reduced, but radiation exposure and contrast agent requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging modality parameter from CT to MRI, eliminating radiation exposure and contrast agent requirements. By optimizing MRI parameters (reduced matrix size, adjusted field of view, modified sequence protocols), the patent achieves adequate imaging speed for clinical workflow while maintaining the safety advantages of MRI without radiation.
3Measurement precision
If patients are required to remain completely still for long MRI procedures, then image quality is improved, but patient comfort and procedure success rate worsen due to movement difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the stringency of the stillness requirement by shortening the total imaging time from 30-45 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. This partial reduction in time requirement makes it easier for patients to remain still, especially those with pain, fatigue, or tremors, thereby improving both patient comfort and procedure success rate while maintaining sufficient image quality for 3D modeling.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of creating a customized arthroplasty jig. The method may include: generating two-dimensional MRI images of a patient's joint area to undergo arthroplasty; electronically orienting the two dimensional MRI image slices to account for the patient's joint area being randomly physically oriented in a scanning area of a MRI machine; generating a three-dimensional bone image of at least a portion of a bone of the patient's joint area from the generated two-dimensional MRI images; using the three-dimensional bone image to generate data pertaining to the customized arthroplasty jig, wherein the data includes bone surface information; providing the data to at least one manufacturing device; and employing the bone surface information to cause the at least one manufacturing device to create a surface on the arthroplasty jig configured to matingly receive a surface of the bone.