Quantified Injury Diagnostics via Video Motion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating rotational instability in joints, such as the lateral pivot shift test for ACL injuries, lack a quantitative and objective assessment, relying on subjective interpretations due to the complexity of normal and abnormal movements, and require costly and specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a capture component for recording video or images, a still analysis component for motion quantification, and a condition assessment component to determine medical conditions based on motion analysis, using markers and image processing to provide a non-invasive, affordable, and objective evaluation of joint movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive navigation systems with pins fixed into bone are used to detect abnormal motion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying through video imaging to capture and analyze joint motion, replacing invasive physical pins with non-invasive visual markers. Markers are placed on skin or clothing and captured via video camera, creating an optical model of the joint's movement that can be analyzed quantitatively without penetrating the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin-based navigation system with an optical-based video analysis system. Instead of physically fixing pins into bone to track motion, the system uses video cameras to capture marker positions and computationally analyzes the motion trajectories, substituting mechanical measurement with optical and computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic sensors and accelerometers are used for pivot shift measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, widely available video cameras and standard image processing software instead of costly specialized electromagnetic sensors and accelerometers. The system uses consumer-grade technology that can be easily obtained and operated without requiring specialized support infrastructure or expensive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement system universally accessible by using standard video camera technology and common image processing software that can be found in most clinical or research settings. This multi-functional approach allows the same equipment to serve both general video recording purposes and specific motion analysis functions, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If subjective assessment is used for lateral pivot shift test, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces quantitative feedback by automatically measuring marker positions and calculating motion parameters from video images. The system provides objective numerical data about joint motion, including translation distances and rotation angles, replacing subjective clinical grading with measurable, quantifiable feedback that can be precisely analyzed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform measurements and calculations without requiring complex manual intervention. The video capture component automatically tracks markers, the image processing software automatically analyzes positions and computes motion parameters, and the system self-generates quantitative results, reducing the burden on operators while improving precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and/or novel image analysis technique for quantitative assessment of motion-based testing for injury in a patient using universally available and affordable devices and techniques is provided and disclosed. A video of a test being performed can be processed to track the motion of markers and/or bodily landmarks in two or more dimensions to quantitatively describe motion, thereby removing the subjective aspects typically associated with motion-based testing. In an example, the pivot shift test is a commonly used test for evaluating rotational instability of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee. The pivot shift test's subjective grading scale can be quantified and refined using image analysis techniques.