Evaluation of Complex Joint Motion With Computer-Based Analysis of Fluoroscopic Sequences

Pfirrmann CWA, Huser M, Székely G, et al. Evaluation of complex joint motion with computer based analysis of fluoroscopic sequences. Invest Radiol 2002;37:73–76. RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. To develop a computer-assisted analysis of complex joint motion based on standard fluoroscopic sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Fluoroscopic sequences of 10 normal shoulders and 20 patients after total shoulder arthroplasty were recorded during abduction and adduction. The analysis of the shoulder motion was based on automated tracking of selected components (models) of the shoulder joint. After processing the digitized images with an edge-detection procedure, visible edges were defined as base models. These models were tracked frame by frame. Several automated postprocessing evaluation procedures were developed and tested. RESULTS. The amounts of rotation and translation of the glenohumeral joint can be quantified and related. The mean translation parallel to the glenoid in the normal shoulder joints was 2.8 mm and 1.9 mm in joints after shoulder arthroplasty. The mean translation perpendicular to the glenoid was 0.9 mm and 0.8 mm, respectively. In complex motion patterns (ie, combined glenohumeral and thoracoscapular motion), electronic stabilization of an object (ie, stabilization of scapula) and, thus, separate analysis of each component. CONCLUSION. Computer assisted analysis allows automated evaluation of complex joint motion based on standard fluoroscopic sequences.