SBIR-STTR Award

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.

Thesaurus Terms:
digital imaging, hand, interactive multimedia, joint, technology /technique development bone imaging /visualization /scanning, computer program /software, computer system design /evaluation, publication bioimaging /biomedical imaging, computed axial tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, sectioning

This project will produce innovative models of small joints with high-resolution imaging modalities, creating an anatomical library that will serve as a foundation for developing morphologically and biomechanical accurate models of the musculoskeletal system. This will build substantially on the voxel modeling of the Visual Human Project, providing precise volumetric information on human variability at microscopic levels. Joints of the hand and wrist will be imaged using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and synchrotron radiation at sizes between 30-130 microns, and the same specimens will be imaged using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These images will be combined with photographic images of the specimens sliced at 30 microns, permitting a comprehensive multi-modal dataset. Viewing protocols developed will permit segmentation of discrete anatomical structures, as well as define the important interrelationship of supporting soft tissues (tendon, ligament, and periosteum) around joints. Such visualization will also permit identification of the ultrastructural anatomy; for instance, how the insertion of tendon and ligament corresponds to adjacent bone patterns which reflect regions of physiologic loading or abnormal wear patterns. This provides a high-resolution map of function in the normal and diseased state, such as in arthritis. Application of these sophisticated viewing protocols will create an Atlas-At-Large, and will be used to develop interactive hand and wrist teaching models of annotated, rotating volumetric bones and joints, which correlate to modules about hand function and clinical conditions. Furthermore, these datasets will provide comprehensive information from several cadaver and bone specimens, providing insight into human variability that will improve implant and device development for trauma and arthritis applications. The mission of the Bone and Joint Decade is to further education, recognition and treatment of musculoskeletal health, which is a monumental task when joint disease and injuries related to osteoporosis have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The digital anatomical libraries of small joints produced from this project will help in that mission, to further the understanding and treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

Public Health Relevance:
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Thesaurus Terms:
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