Joint Prosthesis Alignment via 3D-to-2D Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning joint prostheses and trial implants during surgical procedures rely on visual and palpational verification, which can lead to errors and misalignment, potentially resulting in failed prostheses and the need for revision surgery.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing patient-specific pre-operative data to create a three-dimensional image of bone structure and predetermined implant alignment, combined with intraoperative two-dimensional imaging and registration means to verify real-time alignment, providing a visual indication of adjustments needed for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual and palpational verification methods are used for implant alignment, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to errors and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's bone structure and implant through pre-operative imaging (CT scans, MRI) and registers it with intraoperative images. This virtual model allows precise alignment verification without requiring complex physical measurement tools during surgery, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary registration system that bridges pre-operative planning and intraoperative execution. The registration means aligns pre-operative 3D models with intraoperative 2D images, serving as a mediator that enables accurate alignment verification without directly requiring complex surgical instruments.
2Reliability
If manual verification by surgeon is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability of alignment verification deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously compares pre-operative planned alignment with intraoperative actual alignment through image registration. This automated feedback loop provides objective verification of alignment accuracy, eliminating human error while maintaining manageable system complexity through software-based comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual verification process with an automated image processing and registration system. The system automatically compares pre-operative and intraoperative images to verify alignment, substituting human visual inspection with computational methods that provide more reliable and consistent verification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-dimensional pre-operative images are used, then imaging complexity is low, but flexibility in intraoperative comparison deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional pre-operative images to three-dimensional volumetric data through CT scans and MRI. This dimensional enhancement provides multiple viewing angles and spatial relationships, greatly increasing flexibility in intraoperative comparison and alignment verification while managing complexity through standardized 3D imaging protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint prosthesis and/or trial implant alignment system (10) for intraoperatively assisting an alignment of a joint prosthesis and/or trial implant (12) during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The system comprises patient-specific pre-operative data (14) forming a three-dimensional image (14) containing bone structure (32) and a predetermined alignment of the joint prosthesis and/or trial implant (12) thereon. A patient imaging device (16) is for producing patient-specific intraoperative data 18 which forms a two-dimensional image 18 showing bone structure (32) and a real-time position of the joint prosthesis and/or trial implant (12) thereon. Registration means (20) registers the intraoperative data 18 with the pre-operative data (14) based on geometry of said bone structure and/or geometry of said joint prosthesis and/or trial implant (12). A display device (22) for displaying an output of the registration means (20), thereby enabling a visual indication of the said real-time alignment of the joint prosthesis and/or trial implant (12) relative to the said predetermined alignment.