Determination of the proximity tolerance for measurement of surface contact areas using a magnetic tracking device

Abstract

Undisrupted joint contact areas can be determined based on surface proximity from combined surface geometry and bony kinematics measured with a magnetic tracking device. This technique is useful for evaluating the apparent region of contact in the normal joint. After disruption of the supporting structures or other simulated pathology, the locations and size of the contact region can be compared with the normal condition. However, the contact results may be highly sensitive to measurement errors. In this study…