X-Ray and AR Coordinate Registration for Implant Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures for implanting bone stabilization devices, such as intramedullary nails and bone plates, face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of implants relative to bones due to the long bone geometry and the need for precise calibration of X-ray images, particularly in assessing the angle of anteversion, which can lead to incorrect surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system utilizing a processing unit and augmented-reality device to determine the position and orientation of objects in X-ray images relative to a global coordinate system, incorporating 3D representations and imaging device poses, enabling precise visualization and guidance for implant placement and fracture reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple separate X-ray images are used to capture different parts of long bones, then complete anatomical information can be obtained, but the complexity of relating these images and determining spatial relationships increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference body with known geometric features as an intermediary element that appears in multiple X-ray images. This reference body serves as a mediator to establish consistent spatial relationships between different images, enabling accurate registration and 3D reconstruction without complex registration algorithms. The reference body's known geometry provides a stable framework for relating proximal and distal bone segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D X-ray images to 3D spatial representation by incorporating depth information through the reference body's known geometry. By mapping 2D image coordinates to 3D space using the reference body's predetermined dimensions, the system creates a three-dimensional model of the bone that preserves anatomical relationships across multiple imaging planes.
2Ease of operation
If manual measurement methods are used to determine angle of anteversion, then the procedure is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of the measurement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated computer-based system. The system automatically detects geometric features in X-ray images, extracts dimensional data, and calculates the angle of anteversion using computational algorithms. This substitution eliminates human error and subjectivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and self-measurement by automatically detecting the reference body's geometric features and using its known dimensions to establish the coordinate system. The automated system independently completes the entire measurement process without requiring manual intervention for calibration or measurement execution, thereby improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If reference bodies with metallic markers are used for calibration, then accurate 3D position determination is achieved, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference body with known geometric dimensions that can be visually identified in X-ray images. Instead of requiring complex metallic markers or specialized calibration objects, the system creates a virtual 3D model of the reference body based on its known dimensions. This copying approach simplifies the physical calibration setup while maintaining accurate 3D position determination through computational geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for assisting in a musculoskeletal procedure. In general, a first X-ray image is received showing a first object, the first X-ray image being generated by an imaging device. An imaging direction of the first X-ray image is determined based on a 3D representation of the first object, the imaging direction of the first X-ray image being associated with a coordinate system of the first X-ray image. Then, information of the pose of the imaging device is received at which pose the first X-ray image has been generated, wherein the information includes a geometrical aspect of the imaging device and is provided by an augmented-reality device associated with a global coordinate system. Further, a position and orientation of the first object relative to the global coordinate system is determined based on a registration of the coordinate system of the first X-ray image with the global coordinate system.