Future trends in the use of X-ray fluoroscopy for the measurement and modelling of joint motion

Author(s):  
D C Ackland ◽  
F Keynejad ◽  
M G Pandy

Knowledge of three-dimensional skeletal kinematics during functional activities such as walking, is required for accurate modelling of joint motion and loading, and is important in identifying the effects of injury and disease. For example, accurate measurement of joint kinematics is essential in understanding the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and its symptoms and for developing strategies to alleviate joint pain. Bi-plane X-ray fluoroscopy has the capacity to accurately and non-invasively measure human joint motion in vivo. Joint kinematics obtained using bi-plane X-ray fluoroscopy will aid in the development of more complex musculoskeletal models, which may be used to assess joint function and disease and plan surgical interventions and post-operative rehabilitation strategies. At present, however, commercial C-arm systems constrain the motion of the subject within the imaging field of view, thus precluding recording of motions such as overground gait. These fluoroscopy systems also operate at low frame rates and therefore cannot accurately capture high-speed joint motion during tasks such as running and throwing. In the future, bi-plane fluoroscopy systems may include computer-controlled tracking for the measurement of joint kinematics over entire cycles of overground gait without constraining motion of the subject. High-speed cameras will facilitate measurement of high-impulse joint motions, and computationally efficient pose-estimation software may provide a fast and fully automated process for quantification of natural joint motion.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Provini ◽  
Alexandre Brunet ◽  
Andréa Filippo ◽  
Sam Van Wassenbergh

Virtually all fish rely on flows of water to transport food to the back of their pharynx. While external flows that draw food into the mouth are well described, how intra-oral water flows manage to deposit food at the esophagus entrance remains unknown. In theory, the posteriorly moving water must, at some point, curve laterally and/or ventrally to exit through the gill slits. Such flows would eventually carry food away from the esophagus instead of towards it. This apparent paradox calls for a filtration mechanism to deviate food from the suction-feeding streamlines. To study this gap in our fundamental understanding of how fish feed, we developed and applied a new technique to quantify three-dimensional patterns of intra-oral water flows in vivo. We combined stereoscopic high-speed x-ray videos to quantify skeletal motion (XROMM) with 3D x-ray particle tracking (XPT) of approximately neutrally buoyant spheres of 1.4 mm in diameter. We showed, for carp (Cyprinus carpio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), that water tracers displayed higher curvatures than food tracers, indicating an inertia-driven filtration. In addition, tilapia also exhibited a 'central jet' flow pattern, which aids in quickly carrying food to the pharyngeal jaw region. When the food was trapped at the branchial basket, it was resuspended and carried more centrally by periodical bidirectional waterflows, synchronized with head-bone motions. By providing a complete picture of the suction-feeding process and revealing fundamental differences in food transport mechanisms among species, this new technique opens a new area of investigation to fully understand how most aquatic vertebrates feed.


2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Tashman ◽  
William Anderst

Dynamic assessment of three-dimensional (3D) skeletal kinematics is essential for understanding normal joint function as well as the effects of injury or disease. This paper presents a novel technique for measuring in-vivo skeletal kinematics that combines data collected from high-speed biplane radiography and static computed tomography (CT). The goals of the present study were to demonstrate that highly precise measurements can be obtained during dynamic movement studies employing high frame-rate biplane video-radiography, to develop a method for expressing joint kinematics in an anatomically relevant coordinate system and to demonstrate the application of this technique by calculating canine tibio-femoral kinematics during dynamic motion. The method consists of four components: the generation and acquisition of high frame rate biplane radiographs, identification and 3D tracking of implanted bone markers, CT-based coordinate system determination, and kinematic analysis routines for determining joint motion in anatomically based coordinates. Results from dynamic tracking of markers inserted in a phantom object showed the system bias was insignificant (−0.02 mm). The average precision in tracking implanted markers in-vivo was 0.064 mm for the distance between markers and 0.31° for the angles between markers. Across-trial standard deviations for tibio-femoral translations were similar for all three motion directions, averaging 0.14 mm (range 0.08 to 0.20 mm). Variability in tibio-femoral rotations was more dependent on rotation axis, with across-trial standard deviations averaging 1.71° for flexion/extension, 0.90° for internal/external rotation, and 0.40° for varus/valgus rotation. Advantages of this technique over traditional motion analysis methods include the elimination of skin motion artifacts, improved tracking precision and the ability to present results in a consistent anatomical reference frame.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (04) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronwen Childs ◽  
Brenna Pugliese ◽  
Cristina Carballo ◽  
Daniel Miranda ◽  
Elizabeth Brainerd ◽  
...  

SummaryX-ray reconstruction of moving morphology (XROMM) uses biplanar videoradiography and computed tomography (CT) scanning to capture three-dimensional (3D) bone motion. In XROMM, morphologically accurate 3D bone models derived from CT are animated with motion from videoradiography, yielding a highly accurate and precise reconstruction of skeletal kinematics. We employ this motion analysis technique to characterize metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) motion in the absence and presence of protective legwear in a healthy pony. Our in vivo marker tracking precision was 0.09 mm for walk and trot, and 0.10 mm during jump down exercises. We report MCPJ maximum extension (walk: –27.70 ± 2.78° [standard deviation]; trot: –33.84 ± 4.94°), abduction/adduction (walk: 0.04 ± 0.24°; trot: –0.23 ± 0.35°) and external/internal rotations (walk: 0.30 ± 0.32°; trot: –0.49 ± 1.05°) indicating that the MCPJ in this pony is a stable hinge joint with negligible extra-sagittal rotations. No substantial change in MCPJ maximum extension angles or vertical ground reaction forces (GRFv) were observed upon application of legwear during jump down exercise. Neoprene boot application yielded –65.20 ± 2.06° extension (GRFv = 11.97 ± 0.67 N/kg) and fleece polo wrap application yielded –64.23 ± 1.68° extension (GRFv = 11.36 ± 1.66 N/kg), when compared to naked control (-66.11 ± 0.96°; GRFv = 12.02 ± 0.53 N/kg). Collectively, this proof of concept study illustrates the benefits and practical limitations of using XROMM to document equine MCPJ kinematics in the presence and absence of legwear.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-16-06-0095.


2006 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 604-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Bey ◽  
Roger Zauel ◽  
Stephanie K. Brock ◽  
Scott Tashman

Shoulder motion is complex and significant research efforts have focused on measuring glenohumeral joint motion. Unfortunately, conventional motion measurement techniques are unable to measure glenohumeral joint kinematics during dynamic shoulder motion to clinically significant levels of accuracy. The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy of a new model-based tracking technique for measuring three-dimensional, in vivo glenohumeral joint kinematics. We have developed a model-based tracking technique for accurately measuring in vivo joint motion from biplane radiographic images that tracks the position of bones based on their three-dimensional shape and texture. To validate this technique, we implanted tantalum beads into the humerus and scapula of both shoulders from three cadaver specimens and then recorded biplane radiographic images of the shoulder while manually moving each specimen’s arm. The position of the humerus and scapula were measured using the model-based tracking system and with a previously validated dynamic radiostereometric analysis (RSA) technique. Accuracy was reported in terms of measurement bias, measurement precision, and overall dynamic accuracy by comparing the model-based tracking results to the dynamic RSA results. The model-based tracking technique produced results that were in excellent agreement with the RSA technique. Measurement bias ranged from −0.126to0.199mm for the scapula and ranged from −0.022to0.079mm for the humerus. Dynamic measurement precision was better than 0.130mm for the scapula and 0.095mm for the humerus. Overall dynamic accuracy indicated that rms errors in any one direction were less than 0.385mm for the scapula and less than 0.374mm for the humerus. These errors correspond to rotational inaccuracies of approximately 0.25deg for the scapula and 0.47deg for the humerus. This new model-based tracking approach represents a non-invasive technique for accurately measuring dynamic glenohumeral joint motion under in vivo conditions. The model-based technique achieves accuracy levels that far surpass all previously reported non-invasive techniques for measuring in vivo glenohumeral joint motion. This technique is supported by a rigorous validation study that provides a realistic simulation of in vivo conditions and we fully expect to achieve these levels of accuracy with in vivo human testing. Future research will use this technique to analyze shoulder motion under a variety of testing conditions and to investigate the effects of conservative and surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears on dynamic joint stability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiang Lan Fan ◽  
Jose A. Rivera ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
John Peterson ◽  
Henry Haeberle ◽  
...  

AbstractUnderstanding the structure and function of vasculature in the brain requires us to monitor distributed hemodynamics at high spatial and temporal resolution in three-dimensional (3D) volumes in vivo. Currently, a volumetric vasculature imaging method with sub-capillary spatial resolution and blood flow-resolving speed is lacking. Here, using two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) with an axially extended Bessel focus, we capture volumetric hemodynamics in the awake mouse brain at a spatiotemporal resolution sufficient for measuring capillary size and blood flow. With Bessel TPLSM, the fluorescence signal of a vessel becomes proportional to its size, which enables convenient intensity-based analysis of vessel dilation and constriction dynamics in large volumes. We observe entrainment of vasodilation and vasoconstriction with pupil diameter and measure 3D blood flow at 99 volumes/second. Demonstrating high-throughput monitoring of hemodynamics in the awake brain, we expect Bessel TPLSM to make broad impacts on neurovasculature research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aike Ruhlandt ◽  
Tim Salditt

This paper presents an extension of phase retrieval algorithms for near-field X-ray (propagation) imaging to three dimensions, enhancing the quality of the reconstruction by exploiting previously unused three-dimensional consistency constraints. The approach is based on a novel three-dimensional propagator and is derived for the case of optically weak objects. It can be easily implemented in current phase retrieval architectures, is computationally efficient and reduces the need for restrictive prior assumptions, resulting in superior reconstruction quality.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiwoong Kang ◽  
Ning Lu ◽  
Issac Loo ◽  
Nancy Senabulya ◽  
Ashwin J. Shahani

Abstract Direct imaging of three-dimensional microstructure via X-ray diffraction-based techniques gives valuable insight into the crystallographic features that influence materials properties and performance. For instance, X-ray diffraction tomography provides information on grain orientation, position, size, and shape in a bulk specimen. As such techniques become more accessible to researchers, demands are placed on processing the datasets that are inherently “noisy,” multi-dimensional, and multimodal. To fulfill this need, we have developed a one-of-a-kind function package, PolyProc, that is compatible with a range of data shapes, from planar sections to time-evolving and three-dimensional orientation data. Our package comprises functions to import, filter, analyze, and visualize the reconstructed grain maps. To accelerate the computations in our pipeline, we harness computationally efficient approaches: for instance, data alignment is done via genetic optimization; grain tracking through the Hungarian method; and feature-to-feature correlation through k-nearest neighbors algorithm. As a proof-of-concept, we test our approach in characterizing the grain texture, topology, and evolution in a polycrystalline Al–Cu alloy undergoing coarsening.


Author(s):  
A. L. Kastengren ◽  
C. F. Powell ◽  
Z. Liu ◽  
K. Fezzaa ◽  
J. Wang

Phase-enhanced x-ray imaging has been used to examine the geometry and dynamics of four diesel injector nozzles. The technique uses a high-speed camera, which allows the dynamics of individual injection events to be observed in real time and compared. Moreover, data has been obtained for the nozzles from two different viewing angles, allowing for the full three-dimensional motions of the needle to be examined. This technique allows the needle motion to be determined in situ at the needle seat and requires no modifications to the injector hardware, unlike conventional techniques. Measurements of the nozzle geometry have allowed the average nozzle diameter, degree of convergence or divergence, and the degree of rounding at the nozzle inlet to be examined. Measurements of the needle lift have shown that the lift behavior of all four nozzles consists of a linear increase in needle lift with respect to time until the needle reaches full lift and a linear decrease as the needle closes. For all four nozzles, the needle position oscillates at full lift with a period of 170–180 μs. The full-lift position of the needle changes as the rail pressure increases, perhaps reflecting compression of the injector components. Significant lateral motions were seen in the two single-hole nozzles, with the needle motion perpendicular to the injector axis resembling a circular motion for one nozzle and linear oscillation for the other nozzle. The two VCO multihole nozzles show much less lateral motion, with no strong oscillations visible.


2007 ◽  
Vol 330-332 ◽  
pp. 503-506
Author(s):  
Xiao Wei Fu ◽  
Jie Huang ◽  
E.S. Thian ◽  
Serena Best ◽  
William Bonfield

A Bioglass® reinforced polyethylene (Bioglass®/polyethylene) composite has been prepared, which combines the high bioactivity of Bioglass® and the toughness of polyethylene. The spatial distribution of Bioglass® particles within the composite is important for the performance of composites in-vivo. Recent developments in X-ray microtomography (XμT) have made it possible to visualize internal and microstructural details with different X-ray absorbencies, nondestructively, and to acquire 3D information at high spatial resolution. In this study, the volume fraction and 3D spatial distribution of Bioglass® particles has been acquired quantitatively by XμT. The information obtained provides a foundation for understanding the mechanical and bioactive properties of the Bioglass®/polyethylene composites.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (38) ◽  
pp. 23443-23449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharul Hasan ◽  
Vahid Niasar ◽  
Nikolaos K. Karadimitriou ◽  
Jose R. A. Godinho ◽  
Nghia T. Vo ◽  
...  

Solute transport in unsaturated porous materials is a complex process, which exhibits some distinct features differentiating it from transport under saturated conditions. These features emerge mostly due to the different transport time scales at different regions of the flow network, which can be classified into flowing and stagnant regions, predominantly controlled by advection and diffusion, respectively. Under unsaturated conditions, the solute breakthrough curves show early arrivals and very long tails, and this type of transport is usually referred to as non-Fickian. This study directly characterizes transport through an unsaturated porous medium in three spatial dimensions at the resolution of 3.25 μm and the time resolution of 6 s. Using advanced high-speed, high-spatial resolution, synchrotron-based X-ray computed microtomography (sCT) we obtained detailed information on solute transport through a glass bead packing at different saturations. A large experimental dataset (>50 TB) was produced, while imaging the evolution of the solute concentration with time at any given point within the field of view. We show that the fluids’ topology has a critical signature on the non-Fickian transport, which yet needs to be included in the Darcy-scale solute transport models. The three-dimensional (3D) results show that the fully mixing assumption at the pore scale is not valid, and even after injection of several pore volumes the concentration field at the pore scale is not uniform. Additionally, results demonstrate that dispersivity is changing with saturation, being twofold larger at the saturation of 0.52 compared to that at the fully saturated domain.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document