Virtual Fixture Bone Graft Planning Using Bone Density Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to accurately determine the site and amount of bone graft required for mandibular or anterior parts due to insufficient bone thickness and lack of standardized techniques for maxillary sinus augmentation.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize bone density distribution and boundary area analysis to determine the type and amount of bone graft needed by placing a virtual fixture, measuring bone density, and designating specific graft determination ranges based on bone defect types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standardized maxillary sinus augmentation techniques are used, then the amount of bone graft can be determined easily using alveolar bone thickness, but the site and amount of bone graft for mandibular or anterior parts cannot be accurately determined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of determining bone graft amountVSAvoidaccuracy of bone graft site and amount determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from simple alveolar bone thickness to comprehensive bone density distribution analysis. By measuring bone density at multiple points and in multiple directions around the virtual fixture, the system transforms the determination process into a multi-parameter assessment that accounts for bone quality variations, enabling accurate bone graft determination for mandibular and anterior regions where standardized techniques fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional thickness measurement to three-dimensional bone density distribution analysis. By evaluating bone density in radial directions and at different depths around the virtual fixture, the system adds spatial dimensions to the assessment, allowing precise identification of bone defect types and accurate determination of bone graft requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If bone density distribution analysis is performed to accurately determine bone defect types, then the precision of bone graft determination is improved, but the complexity of the determination process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of bone defect type classificationVSAvoidcomplexity of determination process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bone density measurement process into distinct radial directions and depth zones around the virtual fixture. By dividing the measurement space into multiple sectors and evaluating bone density independently in each sector, the system systematically classifies bone defect types (such as localized defects versus generalized bone loss) while maintaining a structured, manageable determination process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses virtual fixture placement and virtual bone density mapping to create a digital replica of the patient's bone structure. This virtual model allows comprehensive bone density distribution analysis without physical intervention, simplifying the determination process while maintaining high precision in bone defect classification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12558198B2Method and apparatus for determining amount of bone graft, computer-readable recording media, and computer program

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 OSSTEMIMPLANT CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments may provide a method for measuring a site of bone graft and an amount of bone graft around a virtual fixture. To this end, according to embodiments, a type of bone defect may be determined based on bone density information of an alveolar bone around a virtual fixture, and the site of bone graft and the amount of bone graft may be determined according to the determined type of bone defect. According to embodiments, there is an advantageous effect that accurate information can be provided to a user to enable precise grafting during implant surgery.