Parameterization of the Gleno-Humeral joint

Abstract

Introduction.

The aim of this project involves the parameterization of the gleno-humeral joint in a fast

and simple way and so as to reduce waiting times, irradiation of patients and costs for the

different health systems, both public and private. Also the aim involves to provide surgeons

and engineers with more effi cient tools at the time of diagnosis, surgery and implant design.

Material and Methods.

A stereolithographic reconstruction of the joint is processed into a featured model (coatings,

extrusions, sweeps, etc.) prior to the parameterization of those features that defi ne the

joint. By consulting documentation and expert surgeons, those parameters of interest

for the generation of the 3D model are determined and then implemented in the model.

Following the parameterization of the model in the mechanical design software application

Solidworks® it is necessary to check the results and to validate the model.

Results.

An Excel® fi le is obtained that allows, from a number of data, automatically to generate

the reconstruction of the patient’s joint in seconds with Solidworks® from which the

engineer can make or evaluate the mechanical design of the implant and the surgeon

study those parameters of interest. Finally a parametric model of the gleno-humeral joint is

obtained which responds correctly to the Excel® sheet that monitors it.

Conclusions.

By eight parameters it is possible to satisfactory characterize the gleno-humeral joint for

diagnostic, pre and post-surgical studies.

Varying the values of the parameters in an Excel® sheet anatomy is automatically rebuilt

in a 3D mechanical design application (Solidworks®).

Without the time and resource requirements of typical 3D reconstructions signifi cantly

satisfactory results are obtained and the obtained parametric model responds correctly to

changes in the values of the parameters of government.