Investigating the vision-based intervertebral motion estimation of the Cadaver’s craniovertebral junction

Abstract

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is one of the more complex parts of the spinal column. It provides mobility to the cranium and houses the spinal cord. In a healthy subject, the CVJ contributes 25% of the flexion–extension motion and 50% of the axial rotation of the neck. This work reports instrumentation development and results for evaluating implant performance in the stabilized CVJ after surgical procedures. Typically, some bony parts of the vertebrae causing compression to the spinal cord are removed and subsequently stabilized by the instrumenting implant in the CVJ. Pose estimation of the Cadaveric CVJ region is estimated using a monocular vision-based setup. The cervical spine’s first three vertebrae surround the CVJ area, where most cervical spine mobility originates. We aim to evaluate the performance of vision-based intervertebral motion estimation of the Cadaver’s CVJ in the Indian population, particularly in older people. A series of tests were performed on the Cadaver’s CVJ to evaluate the vision system-based motion estimation performance.

Editorial of the special issue: innovative robot design for special applications

“…A medical robotic application is considered in ref. [13], where instrumentation development and results for evaluating implant performance in the stabilized cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ) after surgical procedures are reported. Pose estimation of the CVJ region is estimated using a monocular vision-based setup, so as to evaluate the performance of vision-based intervertebral motion estimation of the CVJ in the Indian population, particularly in older people.…”