The Use of OsiriX & Adobe Flash to Deliver Case‐Based Radiology to the Classroom & through the Internet

Abstract

The cadaver is the primary teaching tool for the study of medical gross anatomy. However, clinical evaluation of internal anatomy is frequently accomplished using various imaging techniques (e.g. MRI and CT scans). Therefore, we created an Internet‐based tutorial as an ancillary teaching tool for students taking gross anatomy. Using a HIPPA‐approved protocol, we obtained permission to access DICOM files from the hospital medical server (PACS). Using PACS, DICOM files were sent directly to OsiriX. From OsiriX all personal identifying information was removed (anonymized) and the files were exported as a JPEG image set and QuickTime Virtual Reality (QTVR) movie. The exported material was used to populate the Internet‐based interactive tutorial that was created using Adobe Flash. Tools within the tutorial enable the user to scroll through the image set and select an individual image that can be panned, zoomed, rotated, and reset. Links from the Internet‐based tutorial to QTVR movies allow rotation of objects in three dimensions. In addition, the interactive application displays self‐learning text related to the displayed material. We conclude that the Internet‐based tutorial aids in the education, review, and understanding of normal human anatomy.