Knee surgery assistance: Patient model construction, motion simulation, and biomechanical visualization

We present a new system that integrates computer graphics, physics-based mo deling, and interactive visualization to assist knee study and surgical ope ration. First, we discuss generating patient-specific three-dimensional (3- D) knee models from patient's magnetic resonant images (MRIs). The 3-D mode l is obtained by deforming a reference model to match the MRI dataset. Seco nd, we present simulating knee motion that visualizes patient-specific moti on data on the patient-specific knee model. Third, we introduce visualizing biomechanical information on a patient-specific model. The focus is on vis ualizing contact area, contact forces, and menisci deformation. Traditional methods have difficulty in visualizing knee contact area without using inv asive methods. The approach presented here provides an alternative of visua lizing the knee contact area and forces without any risk to the patient. Fi nally, a virtual surgery can be performed. The constructed 3-D knee model i s the basis of motion simulation, biomechanical visualization, and virtual surgery. Knee motion simulation determines the knee rotation angles as well as knee contact points. These parameters are used to solve the biomechanic al model. Our results integrate 3-D construction, motion simulation, and bi omechanical visualization into one system. Overall, the methodologies here are useful elements for future virtual medical systems where all the compon ents of visualization, automated model generation, and surgery simulation c ome together.