Online Scaphoid Tracking Using a Wearable and Flexible Ultrasound Array: A First Proof of Concept

Percutaneous Scaphoid Fixation is a minimally invasive technique used to treat fractures of the scaphoid, the most fractured bone in the wrist. A significant challenge in this procedure is managing complications due to scaphoid movement due to wrist motion. This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention by introducing a novel wearable ultrasound array capable of flexible adherence and real-time tracking. By accurately monitoring scaphoid movement throughout the surgery, this innovation seeks to improve the overall success of the treatment. In previous research, a wearable transducer was designed to track the scaphoid during Percutaneous Scaphoid Fixation. In this study, ultrasound data was collected from this transducer and streamed to MATLAB, where an in-house developed algorithm employed template matching methods to track the scaphoid, specifically by identifying image segments that match a predefined template. With this method, we were able to demonstrate online processing at a frame rate of 28 Hz, which aligns with most clinical scanners, indicating the potential of this scaphoid tracking method for deployment on a clinical scanner.