Jerusalem-based RSIP Vision announces an advanced joint segmentation tool for detailed, non-invasive planning of revision arthroplasty and other orthopedic procedures for patients with pre-existing metal implants. This powerful AI-based software module enables quick and accurate segmentation of different joints from CT scans of hips, knees, shoulders, and spines. It provides precise measurements of the geometry of joints, including complicated cases of joints with existing metallic orthopedic implants.
RSIP Vision’s deep learning algorithms provides a solution for the artifacts associated with metals in CT images, which normally cause severe degradation of medical imaging. This vendor-neutral technology will be available to third-party CT manufacturers and medical device vendors, allowing them an improved way to plan and execute both manual and robot-assisted revision arthroplasty procedures.
“One of the most common problems in bone segmentation imaging occurs when a CT scan includes the presence of metals in the bones, either due to previous orthopedic procedures (such as hip replacements) or surgical corrections after a traumatic injury,” says Ron Soferman, CEO of RSIP Vision. “In these cases, the CT images become problematic because of nonstandard absorption values caused by crosstalk between the absorbing pixels and additional artifacts—which result in a challenging image. Moreover, standard segmentation tools can lead to inaccurate outcomes that limit the orthopedic surgeon’s ability to properly plan for the surgery.”
RSIP Vision’s innovative module uses a state-of-the-art deep neural network approach, designed and trained in advance to deal with the presence of metals in CT scans. This module features accurate discernment of the location of metals in the bones, resulting in uniform, accurate, and robust segmentation of all the different elements of both bones and implants, as well as exact delineation of metal fragments from the bones. The technology allows the surgeon to plan in an optimal manner. This leads to better preparation and setting of expectations with the patient. In addition, preparing the required implants rather than all the various options makes it more financially beneficial.
This technology may be used in a wide variety of orthopedic use cases, including periprosthetic fractures around implants or fusions, local recurrence of tumors in the presence of implants, and repeat femoral neck fracture after fusion.
“This module is a vital and important contribution to the treatment of patients undergoing orthopedic procedures since many patients undergo additional or follow-up procedures throughout their lifetime,” says Soferman.
Featured image: Advanced joint segmentation tool for detailed, non-invasive planning of revision arthroplasty and other orthopedic procedures for patients with pre-existing metal implants. (Courtesy: RSIP Vision)
