IBNE

Total Hip Arthroplasty Study

The employment of biomechanics and engineering methodologies in clinical processes aim of improving our healthcare, reducing future costs and developing more thorough clinical guidelines to aid decision making. IBNE activity cooperate with orthopedic surgeons participating in several scientific projects and clinic trial. One example of the ongoing project is the followng:_ " Three dimensional bone mineral density changes in the femur over 1 year in primary total hip arthroplasty patients ".

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is the gold standard for hip replacement surgery. It can be performed with two different kinds of prostheses: cemented and uncemented. This study, in collaboration with Landspitali, consist in monitor bone density and other parameters in 36 voluntary patients undergoing THA for the first time. The subjects are scanned with a CT-Scan before, immediately after and 1 and 5 years after the surgery. 

These same patients have a GaitAnalysis assessment. Different and important results are obtained from these data using Artificial Intelligence, Finite Element Analysis and Medical Imaging Processing which help orthopedics in planning the surgeries and in choosing the proper type of prostheses. 

Cartilage assessment and digitalization of patient profiling

Aiming to develop novel siRNA advanced therapy, the project will create models from biopsies of patients that allow a deep insight into knee osteoarthritis and will generate advanced siRNA-based products that help alleviate pain and slow down disease progression. The efficacy and safety of these nanotherapeutics will be validated in ex vivo and in vivo models that will be employed to elucidate biological mechanisms of the condition's progression. Profiles of the patients will then allow machine-learning tools to deliver personalised therapies according to the individual disease stage.

The goal of the institute is to develop a numerical and graphic patient-specific cartilage profile which will be used to support decision making and to customize tissue engineered solutions.

Our specific objectives are: 

• (i) assess and establish the most predictive parameters and image features for bone and cartilage in the knee and
• (ii) develop a patient-specific and highly sensitive profile of cartilage and bone conditions

Segmentation Process to develop cartridge 3d model from CT and MRI image
The current clinical cartilage evaluation is generally based on one of three medical imaging modalities: X-ray, CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. Each of these provides a different set of information which identifies cartilage- and bone-related anomalies in the femur, tibia, and within the different compartments of the knee joint. The accomplishment of this work will improve the current clinical evaluation for cartilage degeneration and support a clinical decision for intervention.
Thanks to EU funded RESTORE project aims to develop an effective approach to managing the specific unmet clinical needs to treat knee chondral lesions.
We developed a Chondral Lesion Database (clDB) of patient-specific anatomical models . The clDB is based on CT and MRI images, taken at Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik, using standardized acquisition protocols and patient positioning.
The cartilage from the tibia, the femur, and the patella are processed from the MRI datasets, and the tibial, femoral, and patellar bones are identified from the CT scans. Then, MRI and CT are registered to combine both datasets into a single one.
From the database, it is possible to download STL files of all geometries, HU distribution for bones and cartilage components, histogram plots, thickness measurements, and videos of the 3D models. All this information will serve as a guide for patient-specific cartilage bio-printing design and study the interplay of geometry and HU distributions in degenerative cartilages.

This database is submitted to a discipline-specific, free of charge community-recognized repository for other projects and physicians to use.

• Here you can find the siNPAIN official website
• Here you can find the RESTORE official website
• Here, you can find the Chondral Lesion Database

Advancing Precision Medicine Through Imaging, 3D Printing, and RAIL

Medical Image Processing for Precision Medicine
At the heart of our work is the transformation of clinical imaging data—CT, MRI and other modalities—into quantitative information that supports early diagnosis and individualized care. Advanced algorithms extract detailed measurements of bone, muscle and soft tissue, revealing subtle patterns that guide prognosis and personalized treatment. These image-derived biomarkers help clinicians move from traditional one-size-fits-all approaches toward true precision medicine, where therapy and prevention strategies are tailored to each patient. The figure shows an example of using these technology to asses cardiological tissues.

Patient-Specific 3D Printing for Surgical Planning

High-resolution imaging is also the gateway to patient-specific 3D printed models. After careful segmentation of the region of interest, a faithful anatomical replica is produced using additive manufacturing. Surgeons use these tactile, life-sized models to visualize complex anatomy, rehearse intricate procedures and communicate surgical strategies with both colleagues and patients. This workflow—imaging, modelling, and printing—has become a proven method to improve surgical outcomes and reduce operative risk. IBNE is a pioneer in the field, planning surgery using 3d printing models since 2005 and establishing probably the first 3d printing service for surgical planning in the world.

The Radio Anatomical Interactive Library (RAIL)

The Radio Anatomical Interactive Library is a novel platform that merges these capabilities into an interactive environment for education and training. RAIL hosts a growing collection of high-fidelity anatomical datasets that can be explored virtually or combined with 3D printing for hands-on learning. Students, clinicians and researchers can manipulate detailed models in real time, bridging the gap between medical imaging and practical application.

Here you can find the:

• Handbook of Surgical Planning and 3D Printing
• 3D printing lab
• Radio Anatomical Interactive Library

BioVRSea: Exploring Motion Sickness, Postural Control and Neurodegenerative Disorders

The BioVRSea project, developed within the Motion Sickness Laboratory (MS Lab) at Reykjavik University in collaboration with IBNE, investigates the mechanisms behind motion and sea sickness, conditions that are common in childhood and usually diminish with age.

Modern technologies have introduced new forms of motion-related discomfort—such as space sickness in microgravity and visually induced motion sickness in flight simulators or immersive games, where people remain physically still while their senses perceive motion. Related phenomena include land sickness (mal de débarquement)—the persistent feeling of motion after disembarking from a ship, as the body readapts to stable ground.

To study these effects, BioVRSea employs a unique multimodal experimental platform combining:

• Virtual reality, creating an immersive seascape with a boat surrounded by waves,
• A mechanical motion platform that reproduces the sea’s movements in synchrony with the virtual waves, and
• Advanced biomedical sensors (EEG, EMG, heart-rate and other biosignals) to capture the body’s physiological responses.

This setup allows researchers to simulate rough-sea conditions and accurately measure how the human body responds.

Beyond motion sickness, BioVRSea also aims to investigate postural control—the complex system that keeps humans balanced. A deeper understanding of postural regulation may shed light on neurodegenerative diseases that could originate in, or be exacerbated by, deficits in postural control.

Arabic BBC news report and interview on the Motion Sickness Lab  (Starts at MINUTE 16:40).

The project’s key objectives are to:

1. Establish a quantitative gold standard for assessing motion sickness through biosignals,
2. Refine virtual-reality and motion-platform technologies to improve training and treatment for motion-sickness sufferers,
3. Apply machine learning to classify physiological patterns and assess individual risk, and
4. Explore links between postural control and neurodegenerative disease, helping identify early biomarkers and potential preventive strategies.

By merging virtual reality, engineering, neuroscience and biosignal analytics, BioVRSea aims to advance scientific understanding and develop practical tools to mitigate motion sickness and reveal new insights into balance-related disorders and neurodegeneration.

Discover and book your measurements at the BioVRsea website

In the figure is shown the measurement setup of the Virtual Reality platform.

Heila Labs & the Icelandic Centre for Neurophysiology
At the Centre for Neurophysiology and with the novel start-up company Heila Labs, we are dedicated to empowering better brain health through the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology. Our innovative solutions harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and electrophysiology to revolutionize the way we understand and optimize brain function. By leveraging AI algorithms and advanced electrophysiological techniques, we unlock deep insights into brain activity and empower individuals to proactively monitor and enhance their cognitive well-being.

The Icelandic Center for Neurophysiology complements this mission as a key point of reference for neuroscience in Iceland. It is uniquely equipped with a wide range of EEG caps featuring 32, 64, 128, and 256 electrodes. Several pioneering studies have been—and continue to be—conducted using the 256-Channel EEG System, the only one of its kind in Iceland. For example, one study investigates patients with schizophrenia, using the 256-Channel EEG cap to assess the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment.

Together, Heila Labs’ state-of-the-art AI-driven data analysis and the Center’s advanced EEG capabilities provide a powerful platform for real-time electrophysiological measurements and personalized insights. Through these combined advancements, we aim to transform the field of neuroscience—enabling targeted interventions and paving the way for a future where everyone can unlock their full cognitive potential.

Find further information about Heilalabs on their website