A Total Knee Arthroplasty Simulation Using 3D Medical Images

인공 슬관절 전치환술 시뮬레이션을 위한 형상 모델링

An orthopedic surgeon normally gets the operational parameters of total knee arthroplasty from medical images(CT, MRI). Anatomical axis, mechanical axis, the width and height of femur, or tibia are the most important parameters related with accomplishment of TKA. This paper presents a methodology of simulation that virtually operates TKA according to 2D medical images. Using this simulator, some important parameters for operation can be achieved before hand. The simulator provides the 3D computational model of a knee joint and then derives the proper size of implant corresponding to the joint. The whole process of TKA can be simulated such as clipping a knee joint, assembling the joint and its implants, visualizing all the operation steps, deriving some crucial parameters such as anatomical axis and cutting thickness, and predicting the result of TKA. Some examples are given and discussed to validate the methodology.