A 3-D Interactive Atlas of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of this project is to develop protocols that will produce very high-resolution models of human anatomical structures, focusing on the composite of bone and cartilage with the supporting soft tissues. This will achieve a degree of resolution only recently available, given previous limitations of technology. The Visible Human Project (VHP) was the first demonstration of the use of serial cross sections to build voxel models; however, while the VHP represents a landmark effort, it suffers from problems related to resolution and segmentation. These problems are inherent in the freezing process and cryosectioning; the exposed surfaces are too rough for high-resolution imaging. Continued development of high-resolution models of various human anatomical structures is needed to augment digital-image archives and enhance current knowledge of human gross and microscopic anatomy. The human basal joint of the thumb, the carpometacarpal joint (CMC) and its associated soft tissues will be our focus. Processing will require embedding the specimen in a medium that preserves the color of tissues and preserves soft tissue relationships without distortion. The embedded sections will be serially ground in very fine cross section and each cross section photographed. The digital photographic data obtained will be reconstructed into color voxel models. These color voxel models will then be montaged into one large color voxel model. Data will be collected from micro CT scans, micro MRI scans, and thin cross section microgrinding. These data sets will be compared and combined to develop several methods of visualization. Micro CT scan resolution is dependent on the size of the sample being scanned; micro MRI dependent both upon the size of the sample and the advances in magnet development. For our purposes, the slices will be on the order of 10-201J. The CT and MR scans will be registered with the physical microsections. We will develop software protocols to accurately stitch sections together, forming higher resolution models than is currently possible when one methodology alone. All of the examined protocols will be evaluated and combined into an automated system to produce high-resolution voxel models of various anatomical structures. This unique combination of visualization methodology, in conjunction with exponential growth of computational power, promises a new learning environment for anatomical visualization. The educational and societal benefits are significant. The ability to interact with multiple three-dimensional structures contributes to the accuracy and efficiency of conceptualizing accurate anatomical models. The implications include better understanding of the epidemiology of the very common basal joint arthritis, better modeling for developing treatment, both nonoperative and operative, and better treatment outcomes. In addition, it will permit better understanding of the anatomy of the CMC joint in different age and ethnic groups, and a better understanding of comparative anatomy from the perspective of physical anthropology. This opens the door for developing similar high-resolution models in other anatomic sites and organ systems.