Virtual 3D Bone Model Overlay for Complex Fracture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex fractures pose challenges in accurately repositioning smaller bone fragments without anatomically correct alignment or orientation, as existing methods often fail to provide precise guidance for repositioning in such cases.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a computer program that generates a virtual bone model from x-ray images, allowing for the selection and adaptation of a corresponding bone model from a database to assist in repositioning fragments by overlaying the model onto the x-ray image, enabling precise alignment and orientation of bone fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to reposition bone fragments by applying force at the outer surface of surrounding tissue, then simple fractures can be treated effectively, but complex fractures with multiple small fragments cannot achieve accurate anatomical alignment and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy (3D bone model) of the actual fractured bone based on pre-operative imaging data. This digital replica is then overlaid onto intra-operative X-ray images to provide real-time visual guidance for fragment repositioning. The virtual model serves as a precise template showing the correct anatomical position and orientation, enabling accurate alignment that cannot be achieved through manual manipulation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D X-ray images to 3D virtual bone models by integrating pre-operative CT or MRI scan data. This dimensional enhancement provides comprehensive spatial information about fragment positions, orientations, and relationships that are impossible to assess from 2D images alone, enabling precise reconstruction of complex fracture patterns with multiple fragments.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual repositioning is performed without imaging guidance, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the position and orientation of bone fragments cannot be ensured to be anatomically correct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs pre-operative planning by creating a 3D virtual bone model from CT or MRI scans before the actual surgery. During the procedure, this pre-prepared model is simply overlaid onto intra-operative X-ray images, providing immediate visual guidance without requiring complex real-time processing equipment. The heavy computational work is done beforehand, simplifying the intra-operative system while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual bone model as an intermediary between the fractured bone and the surgeon's hands. This digital mediator displays the correct anatomical position and orientation, allowing the surgeon to accurately reposition fragments by visual comparison rather than relying on tactile feedback alone. The virtual model acts as a guide that bridges the gap between pre-operative planning and intra-operative execution.
3Measurement precision
If a virtual bone model is generated and overlaid onto x-ray images to guide repositioning, then accurate anatomical alignment can be achieved, but the process requires complex image processing and model adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single virtual bone model that can be adapted to multiple different fracture patterns and bone types. The model is registered to the patient's specific anatomy using landmark matching and can be adjusted to accommodate various fracture configurations. This universal approach eliminates the need for complex, fracture-specific processing algorithms while maintaining high positioning accuracy across different clinical scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device for assisting reduction for complex fractures is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving an x-ray image of a fractured bone having a plurality of bone fragments, identifying structural of at least one of the bone fragments, adapting a virtual bone model to the imaged bone based on the identified structural aspects, and generating an overlay of the virutal bone model onto the x-ray image, with the virtual bone model aligned to the identified structural aspects. The device is adapted to perform the method.