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Develop a method and device (Neck Rotator) for isocentric axial and flexion/extension neck rotations to be used for clinical diagnosis of cervical spine disorders. A device must be first made to rotate the neck which must satisfy several biomechanical functions. Secondly, sufficient image quality must be achieved through either MR protocol optimization and/or coil design. Lastly, the biomechanical and radiological attributes must be validated through a series of MR/CT tests.
(Left to Right): Jon, Kevin, Arinne, Matt, and Micah
MR Coil tests
MR coils serve as an "antenna" for the MR signal. The image of a certain part of the body can be drastically improved if the appropriate coil is used. Different MR coils were tested using phantoms to find the optimal image of the cervical spine. A phantom is a representation of a part of the body. It is made from plastic and various chemical fluids that mimic natural body fluids. A picture of the phantom used is shown below. (place cursor over picture for caption)
MR Phantom
MR phantom inside head coil
Coil Test Results
We have concluded that a new MR coil does not need to be designed, as the current coils can provide adequate results. Above are the results. As you can see, the Head Coil and C-Spine coil gave the best image.
Phantom Image Testing
We have conducted a series of MR scans using a phantom within our device. From these images we planned on validating that the rotations are isocentric. In other words, we wanted to find the axis our device rotates about.
Phantom Testing Images
Below are some of the resulting MR images that were gathered as a result of the phantom scanning. The little white dots are little holes in the phantom we used. These holes were then used as data markers for the calculations we have done.
Above are MR images taken during a phantom scan. Shown in the pictures are left, neutral, and right isocentric rotation.
Below shows another set of images taken during the same scan. These scans are sliced across the sagittal plane, showing flexion, neutral, and extension.
Final Design
Left: Our final design including allignment markers. These gadolinium filled tubes allow for reference points to be imaged during a patient scan. Once imaged, the technician can easily allign the patient correctly in order to perform isocentric rotation as well as flexion/extension about the true center of rotation of our device.
Right: The neck rotator, including the mat. The mat is used to place the lower spine in line with the cervical spine in order to eliminate translation about the axes when performing isocentric rotation and flexion/extension.
Results
Left:The results indicate that the device rotates isocentrically about the true center of the device to an accuracy of less than 1mm. Therefore, when the cervical spine is positioned in parallel on the axis that goes through the center point of the device, the spine will rotate isocentrically following the rotation of the device. This was positive validation for isocentric rotation.
Right:The results signify the center of flexion/extension rotation is about 12 mm from the true center of the device. Therefore, if the cervical spine was centered about the true center of the device, it would not rotate correctly. This can be corrected through the use of the alignment markers to accurately position the patient within the device to perform the correct rotation.
Image of human volunteer showing C1 isocentric rotation.
Image of human volunteer showing flexion and extension
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8 | Form team, contact client, assign team roles, set up client meeting |
| 2 | September 15 | Literature search, create problem statement, begin PDS |
| 3 | September 22 | PDS, brainstorming, begin developing designs |
| 4 | September 29 | Work on mid-semester presentation paper and presentation (oral and power point) |
| 5 | October 6 | Mid-semester presentation |
| 6 | October 13 | Hand in report and notebook |
| 7 | October 20 | Decide on final design |
| 8 | October 27 | Work on final design (i.e. develop a prototype, testing, etc) |
| 9 | November 3 | Conduct phantom image testing |
| 10 | November 10 | SPRING BREAK |
| 11 | November 17 | Work on design |
| 12 | November 24 | Continue working on design, start working on presentation |
| 13 | December 1 | Prepare final presentation and paper |
| 14 | December 8 | Final poster presentation |
| 15 | December 15 | Hand in report and notebook, Final meeting with advisor |
 |
Midsemester Presentation (Feb 17 2005, 719 kb) |
 |
Midsemester Report (Feb 25 2005, 1525 kb) |
|
Final Poster (Apr 28 2005, 1614 kb) |
|
Product Design Specification (May 3 2005, 22 kb) |
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Final Paper (May 4 2005, 2504 kb) |
