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Cortical Bone Assessment Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves: A Reproducibility Study in a Healthy Population
Published on: January 31, 2025
Basic concepts of optical measuring of bone thickness with IR-beam
Regine Wolff1, Herbert Deppe, Tim C Lueth
1Department of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology, Technische Universität München, 85748 Garching, Germany. regine.wolff@tum.de
Summary
This study introduces a novel optical method for measuring bone thickness in real-time during surgery. The technique uses infrared light reflection to detect bone thickness less than 1 mm, aiding surgical precision.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
- Optical Sensing
Background:
- Accurate assessment of bone thickness is crucial in surgeries like oral and maxillofacial procedures to protect sensitive anatomical structures.
- Current preoperative imaging lacks intraoperative feedback on residual bone thickness, posing risks during bone ablation.
- Surgeons need real-time data on bone thickness to avoid damaging critical structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a new optical concept for measuring hard tissue (bone) thickness.
- To investigate the relationship between bone thickness and infrared light reflection.
- To enable intraoperative measurement of bone thickness during surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Irradiating bone samples with infrared (IR) light.
- Detecting and analyzing the reflected IR light.
- Correlating reflection intensity with known bone thickness values.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between bone thickness and IR light reflection.
- The developed optical method successfully detected varying bone thicknesses.
- The technique demonstrated capability in measuring bone thickness below 1 mm.
Conclusions:
- Optical analysis of IR light reflection offers a viable method for intraoperative bone thickness measurement.
- This technology can enhance surgical safety and precision in bone-related interventions.
- Further development could provide surgeons with critical real-time feedback on bone dimensions.
