BRIDGING THE GAP: VISUAL TOOLS FOR 3-TESLA MRI INTERPRETATION OF THE DELTOID LIGAMENT
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Date
2014-03-27
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Johns Hopkins University
Abstract
The ankle is one of the most commonly injured joints of the human body requiring detailed anatomical knowledge and proper diagnostic abilities in a clinical setting. As key stabilizers of the talocrural joint, the ankle ligaments are the main sites of these injuries. The deltoid ligament complex (Medial Collateral Ligament Complex) is a multi-component complex with a deep layer and a superficial layer. Due to its complexity, much confusion surrounds the definitions and diagnoses of these components in medical literature. High-Field 3-Tesla MR imaging is an extremely effective method for ligament injury evaluation and is considered harmless to patients; however, its diagnostic effectiveness is completely dependent on the radiologist’s interpretation abilities. Current radiological training tools have several weaknesses, posing a significant challenge to providing proper image interpretation training. In this study, multiple deltoid ligament dissections were conducted to gain a detailed structural understanding. Photogrammetry models were created from the dissected specimens. A digital 3D model was produced utilizing CT, MR, and photographic data. This model was then utilized in an animation to demonstrate the anatomy, MR appearance, and injury characteristics of the deltoid ligament complex. A 3D printed model was also produced as an additional visual aid. Several useful workflows were developed for future medical visualization projects. The anticipated clinical benefit of this project is the improvement in the diagnostic abilities of radiologic and orthopedic residents in regards to the deltoid ligament complex through these novel 3D visualizations.
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Keywords
ankle, deltoid ligament, ligaments, injury