title: Evaluation of bone surface registration applying a micro-needle array.
abstract: 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.
authors: University Hospital of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. kurt.schicho@meduniwien.ac.at
authors: Kurt
authors: K
authors: Schicho
authors: Rudolf
authors: R
authors: Seemann
authors: Vered
authors: V
authors: Cohen
authors: Hannes
authors: H
authors: Traxler
authors: Uriel
authors: U
authors: Weinstein
authors: Michal
authors: M
authors: Shohat
authors: Zvika
authors: Z
authors: Slovin
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Figl
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Czerny
authors: Rolf
authors: R
authors: Ewers
authors: Haim
authors: H
authors: Tal
mesh_terms: 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*