Comparison of micro-computed tomography and laser scanning for reverse engineering orthopaedic component geometries

A significant amount of research has been undertaken to evaluate the function of implanted joint replacement components. Many of these studies require the acquisition of an accurate three-dimensional geometric model of the various implant components, using methods such as micro-computed tomography or laser scanning. The purpose of this study was to compare micro-computed tomography and laser scanning for obtaining component geometries. Five never-implanted polyethylene tibial inserts of one type were scanned with both micro-computed tomography and laser scanning to determine the repeatability of each method and measured for any deviations between the geometries acquired from the different scans. Overall, good agreement was found between the micro-computed tomography and laser scans, to within 71 microm on average. Micro-computed tomography was found to have superior repeatability to laser scanning (mean of 1 microm for micro-computed tomography versus 19 microm for laser scans). Micro-computed tomography may be preferred for visualizing small surface features, whereas laser scanning may be preferred for acquiring the geometry of metal objects to avoid computed tomography artifacts. In conclusion, the choice of micro-computed tomography versus laser scanning for acquiring orthopaedic component geometries will likely involve considerations of user preference, the specific application the scan will be used for, and the availability of each system.