At the Medical Imaging and Rapid Prototyping Laboratory, precise replicas of different body parts are developed and produced to aid surgeons and doctors in determining how to approach a surgery. By using the replicas to rehearse surgery, the surgeons can be more efficient and exact. Even though three dimensional computer images are accurate, the models provide a better example of the precise anatomy.
Use of virtual and physical models derived from engineering resources is becoming a valuable asset to orthopedic surgeons. Surgeons are increasingly using them for pre-operative planning and spatial reference during surgery. Most virtual and physical models originate from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) image files. CT scans provide better resolution and contrast between bone and soft tissue than MRI scans; therefore, rapid prototypes (physical models) created from CT scans are preferred for orthopedic surgery. However, surgeons rely heavily upon soft-tissue imaging provided by MRI scans to plan knee-joint surgeries such as Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Unlike CT scans, MRI scans can be taken repeatedly without regard to limits on cumulative radiation dosage. However, the images provided by MRI scans generally have much lower vertical resolution (2-4 mm) than CT scans (down to .5 mm), and MRI scans also tend to blur the boundaries between bone and certain types of soft tissue such as cartilage.
Contact Information:
Joe Guarino, PhD, PE
Steve Tennyson, PhD, PE
Last Updated 01/28/2008
Copyright 2008 BSU Center for Orthopaedic and Biomechanics Research.
