A virtual approach to orthopedic systems based on implants and prostheses

Abstract

In the parameterized virtual environments almost all the joints in the human body have been defined. The geometric models of the bone components were generated from different tomographic images taken from many patients. A revolutionary technique was used to identify the different tissues in the human body, based on the specific shades of gray. Special CAD techniques and specific three-dimensional scanning methods were used whereby the initial “point cloud” was transformed into virtual solids. But, this database, which consists of the joint geometries, can be considered ideal, because the pathology is different for each patient. Different pathological situations were created on these ideal models, which required elements of implant or prosthesis. The surgical techniques specific to each pathological situation were considered, so that the bone components were virtually prepared for virtual prosthesis or implantation. The virtual prosthetic joint was tested using the finite element method for different loads determined under normal situations. These results were compared with those obtained in the normal joint. Finally, different conclusions were pointed out.