Vibro-acoustography and B-mode integration for 3D imaging

Tridimensional representation of vibro-acoustography images based on the topology acquired by B-mode acquisitions is proposed for the evaluation of bone and implant surfaces. A tridimensional evaluation of the implant coverage used in a total hip arthroplasty procedure was performed to show the feasibility of this approach. A vibro-acoustography image of the uncovered area of the implant was acquired and represented in planar representation. However, tridimensional representation of the exposed surface area is necessary for proper evaluation of the stability of the implant. Hence, the topologies of the implant and the bone region around it were determined by acquiring 280 B-mode images. The B-scan images were processed in order to reconstruct the tridimensional surface of the objects. Finally, the vibro-acoustography image and the B-mode-based surface were aligned for the tridimensional visualization. The B-mode tridimensional representation of the bone and implant was improved by the enhancement of contrast and resolution provided by the vibro-acoustography image. The final tridimensional image presented a resolution of 0.25 mm. The topological correction based on B-mode slices allowed an accurate evaluation of the surface area.