Altair > Case Studies > Leveraging IoT in Biomedical Research: A Case Study of Scripps Clinic's Orthopedic Implants

Leveraging IoT in Biomedical Research: A Case Study of Scripps Clinic's Orthopedic Implants

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Computer Vision Software
Wearables - Implants

Applicable Industries

Cement
Education

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Automated Disease Diagnosis
Disease Tracking

About The Customer

The customer in this case study is the Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education (SCORE) at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. SCORE is a renowned institution dedicated to advancing the field of orthopedic research and education. They are particularly focused on improving the understanding and design of orthopedic implants, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life for patients with degenerative joint diseases. Their work involves complex biomechanical modeling and analysis, for which they rely on advanced software tools.

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The Challenge

The Scripps Clinic's Shiley Center for Orthopedic Research and Education (SCORE) was faced with the challenge of improving the understanding and design of orthopedic implants, specifically for shoulder arthroplasty. The existing implants, typically made of titanium alloy and lined with plastics, were not expected to last more than 20 years, making them unsuitable for patients under 65. Furthermore, patients often had concerns about the range of motion, strength recovery, and longevity of the new joint. The process of modeling replacements for the meniscus, a crescent-shaped knee cartilage, was also a complex and time-consuming task, requiring the team to start the modeling process from scratch each time they wanted to change the curvature or thickness.

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The Solution

SCORE utilized Altair HyperWorks software tools to enhance their understanding of the biomechanics involved in joint replacement. They used Mimics 3D-image processing software to merge CT image slices of a patient’s shoulder into a 3D volume and export the surface of the bone. Using HyperMesh, the team removed the diseased bone from the model of the patient’s shoulder and replaced it with an implant, including the cement that fixes it in position. This helped surgeons choose the best implant product for each patient and refine their surgical techniques. For modeling a meniscus, the team started with a 3D image of the patient’s meniscus, segmented from MRI scans, and used HyperMesh to build a finite-element analysis model of the entire knee. They used mesh morphing to tweak parameters to determine how changes affect contact stresses. Dr. D’Lima also used Altair OptiStruct to model the stress window, a critical factor affecting implant life.

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Operational Impact

The use of Altair HyperWorks software tools has significantly improved SCORE's understanding of the biomechanics involved in joint replacement, leading to better implant designs and surgical techniques. The ability to model and analyze the patient's shoulder in 3D has made it easier to answer patients' questions about the range of motion, strength recovery, and longevity of the new joint. The use of HyperMesh for modeling a meniscus has streamlined the process, allowing for more efficient adjustments of curvature and thickness. The use of OptiStruct has enabled the modeling of the stress window, contributing to the development of longer-lasting joint prostheses. Overall, these advancements are leading to better, longer-lasting implants for patients with degenerative joint disease.

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Quantitative Benefit

Reduced the time required to model replacements for the meniscus from a two-week process to a significantly shorter duration.
Improved stress distribution and increased the longevity of the implant by increasing the thickness of the cement mantle from 0.5mm to a consistent 2.0mm.

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