Bone Segmentation for Orthopedic Surgeries
Joint replacement surgery is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures, with over one million hip and knee replacement surgeries performed every year. With such a high demand for these procedures, the need for more in-depth, comprehensive, and advanced methodologies is crucial. The entire process, from examination and planning to operation, has transformed with the emergence of advanced visualization technologies. To gain a deeper understanding of the impact these technological advancements have made, let’s focus on bone segmentation and how it’s changing the way surgeons perform joint replacement surgeries.
What Is Bone Segmentation?
Bone segmentation or CT image segmentation is the process of separating the various bones from the surround soft tissue as well as from neighboring bones. This is a critical step in the surgical planning process as it allows for the manipulation of each bone independently. This is impossible to accomplish with traditional x-ray imaging as x-rays only provide a singular image of each view. CT and MRI imaging capture hundreds of images, commonly referred to as ‘slices’. By highlighting the boney areas through each slice, through either algorithm-based software or manually, we are able to accurately determine the 3-dimensional structure of the bones.
How Does Bone Segmentation Work?
Bone segmentation utilizes powerful AI technology through specialized Machine Learning or ML algorithms, performing ultra-complex and time-consuming landmarking tasks and segmentations in only minutes. This detailed level of visualization helps the surgeon better determine each patient’s individualized biochemical alignment, allowing them to provide a new knee, shoulder, or hip that fits and feels so natural many patients forget they ever underwent any form of surgery!
The satisfaction rate among hip and knee replacement patients seems quite high at 89% and 80%, respectively. However, when looking at the percentage of patients who report their new joint as feeling completely “natural” the percentages are quite a bit lower. Just 52% for hip replacement patients and 39% for knee replacement patients. What does this tell us? There is much room for improvement when it comes to delivering natural feeling joint replacements. Advanced preoperative imaging and bone segmentation is the first step toward raising those percentages even higher.
Usually, the first time surgeons see their patient’s anatomy is when they are on the operating table through an incision of about 6-8 inches, severely limiting their visible working environment and familiarity of the patient’s anatomy. Bone segmentation technology provides a more accurate view of the patient’s anatomy allowing for a greater familiarity with the region, which, in turn, leads to greater accuracy during the procedure.
Bone segmentation also allows for greater preoperative planning, making every groove and ridge of the bone visible in 3D. Many patients experiencing severe arthritis have bone spurs which are boney protrusions that typically form around the joint. These small little bits of bone also show up during CT segmentation and give the surgeon an even clearer idea of the best treatment plan. When the surgeon has a comprehensive view of the internal structure of the area, they can limit the amount of bone resection which would normally occur during traditional surgery. The result? Less trauma to the surrounding anatomy and a faster post-op recovery for the patient!
If joint replacement surgery is in your future, turn to Kinomatic for the most advanced bone segmentation imaging on the market. Kinomatic utilizes advanced VR to provide your surgeon with a comprehensive, in-depth look inside your joint and the surrounding area so that they can develop a highly accurate surgical procedure plan. By having a crystal clear view of the area, your surgeon can create a more customized fit, helping ensure your new joint feels natural and functions properly, without pain or discomfort.
When planning your joint replacement surgery, trust Kinomatic to provide the highest quality bone segmentation results so you can heal quickly and get back to the activities you love!
