Evaluation of bone surface registration applying a micro-needle array.
OBJECTIVE
In this study we present and evaluated a new registration technology for the jaw-bone surface. It is based on a micromechatronic device for the generation of a "mechanical image" of the bone surface by means of an array of micro-needles that are penetrating the soft tissue until they touch the surface of the bone. This "mechanical impression image" is aligned with the CT data set.


METHODS
Based on laboratory measurements on 10 specially prepared jawbone models we evaluate the accuracy of this new registration method.


RESULTS
Our measurements of the 10 specimens revealed a maximum overall location error of 0.97 mm (range: 0.35-0.97 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
From the technical point of view the presented registration technology has the potential to improve the performance (i.e. accuracy and avoidance of errors) of the registration process for bony structures in selected applications of image-guided surgery.
Schicho
Kurt
K
University Hospital of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. kurt.schicho@meduniwien.ac.at
Seemann
Rudolf
R
Cohen
Vered
V
Traxler
Hannes
H
Weinstein
Uriel
U
Shohat
Michal
M
Slovin
Zvika
Z
Figl
Michael
M
Czerny
Christian
C
Ewers
Rolf
R
Tal
Haim
H
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009339:Needles; D013499:Surface Properties; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*