Objective:

1. Planning of fracture treatment requires the surgeon to align the bone fragments back to their anatomical position using 2D x-rays, CT or 3D models.
2. The feasibility of anatomical fracture reduction utilising computer graphical modelling has been demonstrated. 3D modelling and imaging technologies combined with optimisation algorithms will enable to automate this process.
3. Development and testing of a 3D modelling framework for the virtual automated anatomical alignment of bone fragments.

Alignment within M3D Innovation:

1. Development of 3D multiscale imaging and analysis workflow.
2. Overlap with Fixation plate design for surgical applications (P5-7).

Approach:

1. Pre-segmented 3D models representing the fragments will be available from Stryker.
2. Solve the classic puzzle problem by using fragment edges & combine with reference model to serve as anatomical template.
3. Use ICP algorithms for alignment between edges and to reference shape.
4. Incorporate feature detection / fracture classification.
5. Test the feasibility for two scenarios: (1) Contralateral bone is available to serve as reference; (2) Reference model from Stryker’s SOMA database, or from a SSM.

Key Milestones:

1. Development and testing of a procedure for automated identification of the major bone fragments.
2. Development and testing of a procedure for automated identification of a fragment’s cortical surface.
3. Development and testing of a procedure for automatically determining the transformations required for aligning each bone fragment to the corresponding position on the reference model.
4. Testing and optimization of framework for fractures with different complexities.