3D Point Cloud Model for Spinal CT Cancellous Bone Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies, such as CT scans, fail to accurately depict the internal cancellous bone structure beneath the cortical bone exterior in vertebral bodies, limiting surgeons' ability to select appropriate spinal devices for surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensional point cloud models derived from CT scan data, allowing simultaneous visualization of both cortical bone exteriors and internal cancellous bone regions, enabling more accurate preoperative planning and selection of surgical tools and hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CT scan technology is used to image vertebral bodies, then the cortical bone exterior can be visualized, but the internal cancellous bone structure cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating and visualizing different bone types (cortical vs. cancellous) within the vertebral body using their distinct radiodensity properties. The system selectively enhances and displays cancellous bone regions that were previously invisible, while maintaining cortical bone visualization, thereby providing locally differentiated anatomical information throughout the vertebral structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional axial slice visualization to a three-dimensional model that simultaneously displays both cortical exterior surfaces and internal cancellous bone features. This dimensional enhancement allows surgeons to perceive internal bone architecture in spatial context, overcoming the limitation of flat 2D images that cannot reveal subsurface structures.
2Loss of information
If two-dimensional axial slices are used to represent vertebral bodies, then the exterior cortical bone is visible, but internal cancellous bone features are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional digital copy or replica of the vertebral body from CT scan data that preserves and displays internal cancellous bone architecture. This virtual model replicates the anatomical structure with enhanced detail, allowing surgeons to examine internal features without physical dissection or complex multi-slice reconstruction during surgery.
3Measurement precision
If surgeons rely on educated estimates for surgical device selection, then the surgical procedure can proceed, but the precision of surgical planning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables surgeons to perform preliminary visualization and assessment of internal cancellous bone structure during the preoperative planning phase. By having access to three-dimensional models showing internal bone architecture before surgery, surgeons can make more accurate decisions about device selection and surgical approach, reducing the need for intraoperative adjustments and improving overall surgical precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These models provide surgeons with a clearer understanding of spinal anatomy, facilitating better sagittal balance and enabling more precise surgical interventions by accurately representing internal structures, thus improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
In computerized tomography, a scanning apparatus creates an array of picture elements and associated radio density information at a defined resolution distance. In CT scans, a voxel is utilized to represent a single sample, or data point in a grid array, and has associated therewith a data value representing the opacity of the material at that point in the array to X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to generating a three-dimensional point cloud model of an anatomical structure. A computer accessible memory stores a three-dimensional array of data elements describing multiple anatomical features of a subject, each of the data elements having associated therewith positional data and a separate parameter value. A processor may be configured to identify any data elements in the three-dimensional array having an associated parameter value satisfying a predefined threshold value associated with at least one anatomical feature. The processor may be further configured to generate a visually displayable three-dimensional point cloud model of at least one anatomical structure having a first plurality of points in the point cloud model which define an exterior perimeter of the at least one anatomical structure and a second plurality points in the point cloud model which define at least one feature interior of the exterior perimeter of the at least one anatomical structure.