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Development of a Diagnostic Tool for Elbow Instability Combining 4D-CT Imaging and Mechanical Load Analysis
Jonas Gehring1, Fabian Forster1, Markus Meindl2
1Department of Power Electronics, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB, Erlangen, Germany.
Biomedical Engineering and Computational Biology
|August 12, 2026
Summary
A new device, MELBO, enables controlled elbow motion during 4D-CT scans for assessing elbow instability. This tool allows simultaneous force and position measurement, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Medical Imaging
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Current elbow instability diagnosis relies on subjective manual stress tests, often with variable force application.
- Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used but lack standardized mechanical loading for reproducible results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a CT-compatible device for standardized, device-guided assessment of elbow instability.
- To enable simultaneous measurement of applied force and joint position during dynamic imaging.
Main Methods:
- Development of the MELBO (Medical Elbow Loading Box) prototype with adjusted kinematics and improved stability.
- Validation of the integrated force sensor.
- Initial cadaveric feasibility testing with 4D-CT (Computed Tomography) acquisition.
Main Results:
- The MELBO device facilitated controlled, device-guided elbow motion during 4D-CT.
- Simultaneous recording of force and positional data was achieved.
- Dynamic CT datasets were suitable for qualitative assessment of elbow joint stability without significant artifacts.
Conclusions:
- The MELBO diagnostic tool demonstrates technical feasibility for device-guided, simultaneous force and positional measurement during 4D-CT.
- This technology provides a foundation for future studies on quantitative elbow instability assessment under standardized loading.
- Further cadaveric and clinical investigations are warranted.
