Ultrasound Volume Guided Navigated Implantation of the Humeral Part of a Shoulder Prosthesis

Diagnostic ultrasound in the shoulder area is nowadays usually limited to conventional, two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasound images taken in predefined, standardized sonogram acquisition orientations. This only provides limited insights into the joint’s three-dimensional (3-D) geometry. In contrast, 3-D freehand acquired ultrasound volumes can cover the anatomic structures necessary e.g. for planning the implantation of the humeral part of a shoulder prosthesis. In a pilot study, such landmarks were determined from the semiautomatically segmented volumes. A first verification of the approach was performed using an experimental prototype for surgical planning and navigation in a cadaver study.