Accuracy of an electromagnetic tracking device:​ a study of the optimal operating range and metal interference

Milne, A. D.; Chess, D. G.; Johnson, J. A.; King, G. J. W.

Affiliations

¹Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St Joseph’s Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada

²Department of Medica1 Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

³Department of Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

⁴Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

The positional and rotational accuracy of a direct-current magnetic tracking device commonly used in biomechanical investigations was evaluated. The effect of different metals was also studied to determine the possibility of interference induced by experimental test fixtures or orthopaedic implants within the working field. Positional and rotational data were evaluated for accuracy and resolution by comparing the device output to known motions as derived from a calibrated grid board or materials testing machine. The effect of different metals was evaluated by placing cylindrical metal samples at set locations throughout the working field and comparing the device readings before and after introducing each metal sample. Positional testing revealed an optimal operational range with the transmitter and receiver separation between 22.5 and 64.0 cm. Within this range the mean positional error was found to be 1.8% of the step size, and resolution was determined to be 0.25 mm. The mean rotational error over a 1–20° range was found to be 1.6% of the rotational increment, with a rotational resolution of 0.1°. Of the metal alloys tested only mild steel produced significant interference, which was maximum when the sample was placed adjacent to the receiver. At this location the mild steel induced a positional difference of 5.26 cm and an angular difference of 9.75°. The device was found to be insensitive to commonly used orthopaedic alloys. In this study, the electromagnetic tracking device was found to have positional and rotational errors of less than 2%, when utilized within its optimal operating range. This accuracy combined with its insensitivity to orthopaedic alloys should make it suitable for a variety of musculoskeletal research investigations.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0021-9290(96)83335-5

PubMed: 9147976

WoS: A1996UK44200010

History

Revised: 1995-09-11

Cited By (19)

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2008	Glasoe W, Pena F, Phadke V, Ludewig PM. Arch height and first metatarsal joint axis orientation as related variables in foot structure and function. Foot Ankle Int. 2008;29(6):647-654.
2000	Johnson JA, Rath DA, Dunning CE, Roth SE, King GJW. Simulation of elbow and forearm motion in vitro using a load controlled testing apparatus. J Biomech. May 2000;33(5):635-639.
2001	Dunning CE, Duck TR, King GJW, Johnson JA. Simulated active control produces repeatable motion pathways of the elbow in an in vitro testing system. J Biomech. August 2001;34(8):1039-1048.
2004	Beingessner DM, Dunning CE, Gordon KD, Johnson JA, King GJW. The effect of radial head excision and arthroplasty on elbow kinematics and stability. J Bone Joint Surg. August 2004;86A(8):1730-1739.
1999	Nawoczenski DA, Baumhauer JF, Umberger BR. Relationship between clinical measurements and motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during gait. J Bone Joint Surg. 1999;81B(3):370-376.
1999	Bull AMJ. Measurement and Computer Simulation of Knee Kinematics [PhD thesis]. Imperial College London; 1999.
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1998	Poulin F. Modélisation biomécanique de l'instrumentation chirurgicale du rachis scoliotique [Master's thesis]. École polytechnique de Montréal; December 1998.
2003	Malone JR. A Comparison of Optoelectronic and Electromagnetic Motion Tracking Systems [Master's thesis]. Queen's University; October 2003.
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1997	Dunning CE. The Effects of Fixation Technique and Simulated Motion on the Stability of Colles' (wrist) Fractures [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; September 1997.
1997	Rath DA. Design and Development of an Elbow Loading Apparatus and the Determination of Elbow Kinematics [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; May 1997.
2001	Dunning CE. Development of a Motion-Controlled Testing Apparatus and Kinematic Techniques to Simulate and Describe Elbow Motion (development of Tools to Simulate and Describe Elbow Motion) [PhD thesis]. London, ON: University of Western Ontario; 2001.
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2011	Ferreira LM. Development of an Active Elbow Motion Simulator and Coordinate Systems to Evaluate Kinematics in Multiple Positions [PhD thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2011.
2012	Lalone EA. An Image-Based Tool to Examine Joint Congruency At the Elbow [PhD thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2012.
2013	Reeves JM. Development and Assessment of an Impact Apparatus and High-Speed Camera Motion Tracking System to Quantify the Effect of Static Muscle Loads on Fracture Threshold Measures in the Distal Radius [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2013.
2016	Manocha RHK. Optimizing the Rehabilitation of Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2016.