Background

The ankle joint is one of the common locations for osteochondral defects (OCDs), which is damage of articular cartilage and possibly subchondral bone. If OCDs are left untreated, there is a potential risk of developing early osteoarthritis. Therefore, early detection and treatment of OCDs is highly important. We are currently designing a minimally invasive instrument that can enter the ankle joint and detect and treat the OCD. This instrument will pass through the joint space and detect the OCDs with a sensor in the instrument tip. For validation of this minimally invasive instrument the percentage of the joint space that has been actually measured must be known and visualised in a comprehensive manner to guide the surgeon.

Assignment

The aim of this project is to develop a system that allows us to do measure the location of the instrument tip within the ankle joint non-invasively and to visualise this in an intuitive manner. A literature study could focus on possible detection methods and mapping systems. Following this, the project would focus on the development of a working prototype and its validation in a cadaver model.

Daily coach: Gabrielle Tuijthof