Intra-Articular Ultrasonography Probe for Minimally Invasive Upper Extremity Arthroscopic Surgery: A Phantom Study

Background: Upper extremity arthroscopic surgery is a highly technique-dependent procedure that requires the surgeon to assess difficult cartilage conditions and manage the risk of iatrogenic damage to nerves and vessels adjacent to the joint capsule in a confined joint space, and a device that can safely assist in this procedure has been in demand. Methods: In this study, we developed a small intra-articular ultrasound (AUS) probe for upper extremity joint surgery, evaluated its safety using underwater sound field measurement, and tested its visualization with a phantom in which nerves and blood vessels were embedded. Results: Sound field measurement experiments confirmed the biological safety of the AUS probe's output, while confirming that sufficient output power level performance was obtained as an ultrasound measurement probe. In addition, images of blood vessels and nerves were reconstructed discriminatively using A-mode imaging of the agar phantom. Conclusions: This study provides proof-of-concept of the AUS probe in upper extremity surgery. Further studies are needed to obtain approval for use in future medical devices.

Automated summary

In this study, a small intra-articular ultrasound (AUS) probe for upper extremity joint surgery was developed, and its safety and visualization capability were evaluated. The experiments confirmed the biological safety of the AUS probe and demonstrated its sufficient output power level. The reconstructed images of blood vessels and nerves using A-mode imaging of an agar phantom provided proof-of-concept for the AUS probe in upper extremity surgery.