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The application of 3D image processing to studies of the musculoskeletal system
Conference proceeding

The application of 3D image processing to studies of the musculoskeletal system

Bruce Elliot Hirsch, Jayaram K Udupa, Sorin Siegler and Beth A Winkelstein
Proceedings of SPIE, v 7497(1), pp 74971B-74971B-6
30 Oct 2009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.851181

Abstract

Three dimensional renditions of anatomical structures are commonly used to improve visualization, surgical planning, and patient education. However, such 3D images also contain information which is not readily apparent, and which can be mined to elucidate, for example, such parameters as joint kinematics, spacial relationships, and distortions of those relationships with movement. Here we describe two series of experiments which demonstrate the functional application of 3D imaging. The first concerns the joints of the ankle complex, where the usual description of motions in the talocrural joint is shown to be incomplete, and where the roles of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments are clarified in ankle sprains. Also, the biomechanical effects of two common surgical procedures for repairing torn ligaments were examined. The second series of experiments explores changes in the anatomical relationships between nerve elements and the cervical vertebrae with changes in neck position. They provide preliminary evidence that morphological differences may exist between asymptomatic subjects and patients with radiculopathy in certain positions, even when conventional imaging shows no difference.

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