A three-dimensional reconstruction of the scapula in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Abstract

In the last years multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images were used in morphometric measurement of the scapula. The present study was aimed to reveal morphometrical aspects and morphometric differences between sexes regarding the scapula via three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction performed by using MDCT images of the fox scapula. Twelve adult red foxes (6 each of male and female) were used for this study. The high resolution images of the scapula were obtained by using a general diagnostic MDCT. The images obtained by MDCT were stacked and overlaid to reconstruct the 3D model of the scapula by using 3D modeling software (Mimics 13.1). Some morphometric measurements were taken from the reconstructed models of the scapula. The statistical analysis of data was performed for both sexes. Based on the 3D reconstructed scapula, the differences of the scapular measurements between male and female red fox were statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Some morphometrical differences of the scapula were revealed in both sexes of red fox. These results were compared with other studies in the literature and they emphasize the morphologic diversities among species. This study may contribute to improve the knowledge related to the anatomy of the red fox.