Virtual 3D Bone Model for Fixing Element Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting and inserting fixing elements, such as screws, into bones for implants are prone to errors due to manual selection and placement, leading to inadequate purchase, protrusion, or incorrect angles, which can result in instability or injury.
Innovation Solution
A method using radioscopic imaging to create a 3D model of the bone and implant, determining optimal parameters like length, position, and orientation of fixing elements based on bone geometry and density, allowing for precise virtual planning and real-time guidance during surgery, reducing the need for continuous x-ray monitoring and minimizing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual selection and insertion of fixing elements is used, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but placement accuracy deteriorates leading to errors in position, angle, and length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing virtual planning and parameter determination before the actual surgical insertion. A virtual 3D model of the bone is created from preoperative images, and the optimal parameters (length, position, orientation) of fixing elements are calculated and visualized in advance. This allows the surgeon to review and verify the planned insertion parameters before performing the actual surgery, thereby improving placement accuracy while maintaining surgical flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual 3D replica of the bone structure from preoperative radioscopic images. This virtual model serves as a digital copy that can be manipulated, measured, and used for planning without affecting the actual bone. The virtual model allows for precise determination of fixing element parameters by analyzing the digital replica's geometry and density distribution, thereby improving measurement precision without adding physical complexity to the surgical site.
2Reliability
If continuous x-ray monitoring is used during insertion, then real-time adjustment is possible, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining all necessary insertion parameters (length, position, orientation) before the surgery begins. The virtual planning system calculates optimal parameters based on preoperative imaging and bone characteristics, eliminating the need for continuous intraoperative x-ray monitoring. This approach maintains insertion reliability through thorough preoperative planning while significantly reducing radiation exposure to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the virtual planning system that uses preoperative images to create a 3D model and automatically determines optimal fixing element parameters. The system provides feedback by visualizing the planned insertion parameters overlaid on the virtual bone model, allowing the surgeon to verify and adjust the plan before surgery. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable insertion without requiring continuous real-time x-ray monitoring.
3Strength
If fixing element length is increased to ensure sufficient purchase, then stabilization improves, but risk of protrusion into surrounding tissue or joint space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by automatically calculating and optimizing the length parameter of fixing elements based on the virtual 3D model of the bone. The system analyzes bone density, geometry, and the specific location where fixing elements will be inserted to determine the precise optimal length. This ensures sufficient purchase strength while preventing excessive length that could cause protrusion into surrounding tissue or joint space, thereby balancing fixing strength with injury risk prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error approach of selecting fixing element length with a computational system. Instead of relying on manual estimation or intraoperative measurement, the system uses computational algorithms to analyze the virtual 3D bone model and automatically determine optimal parameters. This substitution of mechanical decision-making with computational analysis enables precise control of fixing element length to achieve optimal strength without causing harm.
4Measurement precision
If multiple orthogonal images are acquired to determine spatial geometry, then measurement precision improves, but examination time and radiation dose increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single set of preoperative radioscopic images for multiple purposes: creating the virtual 3D bone model, determining bone density, and calculating fixing element parameters. Instead of requiring separate imaging sessions for each purpose, the system extracts multiple types of information from the same initial images, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing examination time or radiation dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by acquiring all necessary imaging data and creating the virtual 3D model before the surgical procedure. The preoperative images are processed in advance to generate the complete spatial geometry information and bone density maps needed for planning. This eliminates the need for additional intraoperative imaging, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding the time loss and increased radiation dose that would result from multiple imaging sessions.
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
This method ensures accurate placement of fixing elements, minimizing errors and radiation exposure, while providing real-time guidance for optimal implant stabilization and reducing the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
by means of a radioscopy method
Data Source
AI summary
In a method to determine a parameter of a fixing element for an implant to be affixed to a bone, the actual design of the bone and the relative attitude of the implant positioned on this are determined, a virtual 3D model depicting the actual design of the bone and the relative attitude of the implant is generated, and a parameter of the fixing element is determined automatically using the virtual 3D model.