High Resolution Hip-joint Socket Imaging Using Pulsed Laser Radar

In this paper, we present a 3D imaging technique for computer-assisted hip-joint replacement surgery. It is based on a high resolution laser radar which uses powerful picosecond laser pulses, generated from low-cost single-heterostructure (SH) semiconductor laser diodes, and a highly sensitive avalanche photodiode. Although the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) is relatively high (20 kHz), class 1 eye-safety laser conditions are fulfilled. A socket bone from a cow was imaged using our laser radar system. The extracted 3D data was found to be within 0.5 mm in relation to the bony surface constructed from computed tomography (CT) data of the same bone.