Field Session From improving knee implants... to improving third-world economics

摘要

Joint replacements for the knee and hip are fairly common now. But the implants can shift around in the body over time, causing problems for the patient. A team of Mathematical and Computer Science (MCS) majors has developed a graphical user interface for doctors and medical researchers, which will compare X-rays of a patient's joint-five years after surgery-to a model knee. These pictures will enable physicians and bioengineers to measure differences in position, stresses and how the implant is holding up generally. "Our program makes a 3D model of someone's knee implant, using 2D X-rays, which are cheaper but have the same data as MRIs," explained Maxi Von Eye, a senior MCS major from Michigan. "We can move and rotate the implant model, which can also be made transparent so the patient's bones actually show up beneath it for better comparison."