Comparing parametric solid modelling/reconfiguration, global shape modelling and free-form deformation for the generation of 3D digital models of femurs from X-ray images

Abstract

At present, computer assisted surgery systems help orthopaedic surgeons both plan and perform surgical procedures. To enable these systems to function, it is crucial to have at one's disposal 3D models of anatomical structures, surgical tools and prostheses (if required). This paper analyses and compares three methods for generating 3D digital models of anatomical structures starting from X-ray images: parametric solid modelling/reconfiguration, global shape modelling and free-form deformation. Seven experiences involving the generation of a femur model were conducted by software developers and different skilled users. These experiences are described in detail and compared at different stages and from different points of view.

Keywords:

• 3D modelling of anatomical structures
• orthopaedic surgery
• CAS systems
• surgical planning

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank LIMA Lto for financial support of project development. Thanks also go out to Professor Kenji Shimada, the Director of CIELab at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) and to his research team for their invaluable suggestions and their courtesy in providing an executable copy of their software package. Finally, we would like to thank Mr Andrea Toniutti and Mr Alessandro Minatti for their contribution to developing the study cases.