Interactive Medical Image Control System Research Articles

Extra-articular screw placement strategy in Stoppa approach based on three-dimensional reconstruction model

The study aimed to explore an extra-articular screw placement strategy in Stoppa approach. Radiographic data of patients who underwent pelvic computed tomography from January 2016 to June 2017 were imported into Materiaise’s interactive medical image control system software for three-dimensional reconstruction. Superior and lower margins of acetabulum and ipsilateral pelvic brim could be observed simultaneously through inlet-obturator view. A horizontal line from superior acetabular margin intersected pelvic brim at point “A” and another vertical line from lower margin intersected pelvic brim at point “B” were drawn, respectively. Lengths form sacroiliac joint to “A” (a), “A” to “B” (b), and “B” to pubic symphysis (c) were measured. Patients were divided into four groups depending on gender and side difference of measured hemi-pelvis: male left, male right, female left, and female right. Lengths of adjacent holes (d) and spanning different holes (e) of different plates were also measured. Mean lengths of a, b, c in four groups were 40.94 ± 1.85 mm, 40.09 ± 1.93 mm, 41.78 ± 3.62 mm, and 39.77 ± 2.23 mm (P = 0.078); 40.65 ± 1.58 mm, 41.48 ± 1.64 mm, 40.40 ± 1.96 mm, and 40.66 ± 1.70 mm (P = 0.265); 57.03 ± 3.41 mm, 57.51 ± 3.71 mm, 57.84 ± 4.40 mm, and 59.84 ± 4.35 mm (P = 0.165), respectively. Mean d length of different plates was 12.23 mm. Average lengths spanning 1, 2, 3 and 4 holes were 19.33 mm, 31.58 mm, 43.80 mm, and 55.93 mm. Our data showed that zones a and c could be safely inserted three and four screws. Penetration into hip joint could be avoided when vacant 3-hole drilling was conducted in zone b. Fracture line in zone b could serve as a landmark for screw placement.

Different radius of curvature at the talus trochlea from northern Chinese population measured using 3D model

BackgroundTo analyze the curvature characteristics of the talus trochlea in people from northern China in different sex and age groups.MethodsComputed tomography scanning data of talus from 61 specimens were collected and constructed as a three-dimensional model by Materialise’s Interactive Medical Image Control System(MIMICS) software, anteromedial(AM), posteromedial(PM), anterolateral(AL), and posterolateral(PL) edge, anterior edge of medial trochlea, posterior edge of medial trochlea and anterior edge of lateral trochlea were defined according to the anatomical landmarks on trochlear surface. The curvature radii for different areas were measured using the fitting radius and measure module.ResultsThere were significant differences among the talus curvatures in the six areas (F = 54.905, P = 0.000), and more trends in the analytical results were as follows: PM > PL > MP > AL > MA > AM. The average PL radius from specimens aged > 38 years old was larger than that from specimens aged < = 38 years (t=-2.303, P = 0.038). The talus curvature of the AM for males was significantly larger than that for females (t = 4.25, P = 0.000), and the curvature of the AL for males was larger than that for females (t = 2.629, P = 0.010). For observers aged < = 38 years, the AM curvature of the right talus in the male group was significantly larger than that in the female group (P < 0.01). In age < = 38years group, the MA curvature of right talus in male was significantly larger than in female group(P < 0.01), fitting radius of talus for male (21.90 ± 1.97 mm) was significantly greater than female of this(19.57 ± 1.26 mm)(t = 6.894, P = 000). The average radius of the talus in the male population was larger than that in the female population.ConclusionThere was no significant relationship between age and talus curvature for males and females. The radius of curvature in the posterior area was significantly larger than that in the anterior area. We recommend that this characteristic of the talus trochlea should be considered when designing the talus component in total ankle replacement (TAR).

Shallow trochlear groove and narrow medial trochlear width at the proximal trochlea in patients with trochlear dysplasia: Athree-dimensional computed tomography analysis.

Although the Dejour classification is the primary classification system for evaluating trochlear dysplasia, concerns have been raised about its reliability owing to its qualitative criteria and challenges associated with obtaining accurate radiographs. This study aimed to quantify trochlear dysplasia using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction with novel parameters related to the transepicondylar axis (TEA). Sixty patients were enrolled, including 20 with trochlear dysplasia and 40 healthy controls. The 3D CT model was generated using the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System software. The following six parameters were measured in eight consecutive planes at 15° intervals (planes 0-105): the distance from the TEA to the most cortical point of the lateral condyle ('LP-TEA', where LP stands for lateral peak), medial condyle ('MP-TEA', MP for medial peak)and deepest point of the trochlea ('TG-TEA', TG for trochlear groove). The distances from the medial epicondyle (MEC) to the corresponding TEA points were measured ('LP-MEC', 'MP-MEC'and 'TG-MEC'). In the dysplasia group, TG-TEA (planes 0, 15and 30) and MP-MEC (planes 0, 15and 30) were significantly greater than those in the control group (all p < 0.05 for planes of TG-TEA and MP-MEC). For type A dysplasia, LP-MEC (plane 0) was greater than that in the control group. For type B dysplasia, the MP-MEC (planes 0 and 15) and TG-TEA (planes 0 and 15) were greater than those of the control group. For type D dysplasia, MP-MEC (planes 0, 15and 30) and TG-TEA (planes 0 and 15) were elevated. The 3D CT reconstruction analysis established a reproducible method for quantifying osseous trochlear morphology. Patients with trochlear dysplasia had a shallow TG and narrow medial trochlear width at tracking angles of 0°-30°. This finding corroborates the clinical manifestations of recurrent patellar instability that occur during early flexion. Level III.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Varied Cross-Sectional Areas in Sleep Apnea Individuals across Diverse Situations

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical condition that impacts a significant portion of the population. To better understand this condition, research has been conducted on inhaling and exhaling breathing airflow parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. A steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach and an SST turbulence model have been utilized to simulate the upper airway airflow. A 3D airway model has been created using advanced software such as the Materialize Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) and ANSYS. The aim of the research was to fill this gap by conducting a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to investigate the influence of cross-sectional areas on airflow characteristics during inhale and exhale breathing in OSA patients. The lack of detailed understanding of how the cross-sectional area of the airways affects OSA patients and the airflow dynamics in the upper airway is the primary problem addressed by this research. The simulations revealed that the cross-sectional area of the airway has a notable impact on velocity, Reynolds number, and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). TKE, which measures turbulence flow in different breathing scenarios among patients, could potentially be utilized to assess the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This research found a vital correlation between maximum pharyngeal turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and cross-sectional areas in OSA patients, with a variance of 29.47%. Reduced cross-sectional area may result in a significant TKE rise of roughly 10.28% during inspiration and 10.18% during expiration.

Intradiscal cement leakage (ICL) increases the stress on adjacent vertebrae after kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebra compression fracture (OVCF): a finite-element study

This study aimed to explore the biomechanical effects on adjacent vertebra of thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebra Compression Fracture (OVCF) after Percutaneous Kyphoplasty (PKP) with intraoperative intradiscal cement leakage (ICL) by applying a Finite-Element Analysis. We collected pre- and post-operative computer tomography (CT) images of a 71-year-old female patient with single T12 OVCF, who underwent an intraoperative cement leakage into the T12–L1 disc. Three-dimensional finite element models of thoracolumbar spine (T10–L2) were built with the support of Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) and ABAQUS software. The stress on adjacent vertebrae and endplates under the uniform compressive pressure (0.3 MPa) and during different loading moments were analyzed. The three-dimensional finite element models reveal an asymmetrical distribution of von Mises stresses on the adjacent endplate unaffected by the surgical intervention. The maximum von Mises stress on adjacent vertebral bodies increased during different loading conditions, especially for lateral bending and rotation loading conditions, whereas the maximum von Mises stress on distal non-treated vertebrae decreased on anteflexion and backward extension loading conditions. Post-operative adjacent vertebra compression fractures after PKP with intraoperative intradiscal cement leakage (ICL) may be closely related to the biomechanical changes of adjacent vertebrae of thoracolumbar OVCF, and it may increase the risk of postoperative fracture.

Three-Dimensional Measurements of the Palate and Dental Arch Perimeter as Predictors for Maxillary Palatal Canine Impaction-A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Image Analysis.

(1) Background: Accurate diagnosis and treatment plans in orthodontics were facilitated by novel technologies. The prediction of occlusal problems is of utmost importance for clinicians. This present study aimed to find any possible correlation between unilateral and bilateral palatally impacted maxillary canine, palatal dimensions, and maxillary arch perimeter using digital measurements and determine the factors that could be used as predictors for maxillary palatal canine impaction. (2) Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on cone-beam computed tomography images of orthodontic patients aged 15 to 25. Palatal dimensions and maxillary arch perimeter were digitally measured using Materialize Interactive Medical Image Control System. (3) Results: A significant difference was found between the case and the study groups regarding palatal depth, length, and arch perimeter, except for the palatal width. A weak correlation was reported in palatal depth and length with canine impaction, whereas the correlation was moderate concerning the arch perimeter. They can be used as predictors for palatal canine impaction. (4) Conclusion: Palatal dimensions and dental arch perimeter affect maxillary palatal canine impaction. Deficient arch perimeter, palatal depth, and length could be helpful in the prediction of maxillary palatal canine impaction.

Turbulent Kinetic Energy of Flow during Inhale and Exhale to Characterize the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patient

This paper aims to investigate and present the numerical investigation of airflow characteristics using Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) to characterize the upper airway with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) under inhale and exhale breathing conditions. The importance of TKE under both breathing conditions is that it show an accurate method in expressing the severity of flow in sleep disorder. Computational fluid dynamics simulate the upper airway’s airflow via steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) with k–ω shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model. The three-dimensional (3D) airway model is created based on the CT scan images of an actual patient, meshed with 1.29 million elements using Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) and ANSYS software, respectively. High TKE were noticed around the region after the necking (smaller cross-sectional area) during the inhale and exhale breathing. The turbulent kinetic energy could be used as a valuable measure to identify the severity of OSA. This study is expected to provide a better understanding and clear visualization of the airflow characteristics during the inhale and exhale breathing in the upper airway of patients for medical practitioners in the OSA research field.

Optimal position and apex-subchondral bone distance of cannulated screws for internal fixation of femoral neck fracture: A radiological study.

To determine the optimal position of three cannulated screws in an inverted triangle pattern for internal fixation of femoral neck fractures, including the apex-subchondral bone distance, computed tomography (CT) images of the hip were processed using the MIMICS (Materialize Interactive Medical Image Control System) Research software. Points adjacent to the inferior, anterosuperior, and posterior cortex of the femoral neck were selected on the axial view. Subsequently, the positions of these points were adjusted to maximize the area between them, and splines were drawn in the coronal and sagittal planes to represent the cannulated screws. Finally, the virtual anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopy images of the proximal femur and splines were created and the parameters calculated. Finite element analysis showed this fixation scheme provides stronger fracture support and stability. Twenty patients with femoral neck fractures (Modified group), with the area and perimeter of the triangle formed on axial postoperative CT images, including the shortest distance from the tip of the screw to the subchondral bone was compared with 23 matched patients for whom the conventional inverted isosceles triangle configuration of screws for internal fixation was used (Conventional group). The area and perimeter of the stabilization screws were larger, with a shorter apex-subchondral bone distance for the Modified group. There was no incidence of screw penetration in the femoral neck or head in either group, and all fractures healed within a follow-up period of 10 months. The modified screw placement method is simple and safe and provides greater fracture stability than the conventional empirical method of fixation.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Monochamus alternatus Galleries Using CT Scans.

Simple SummaryAs one of the most important boring pests in China, the longhorn beetle Monochamus alternatus directly damages or kills pine trees as a vector of pine wood nematode disease. The study of the distribution of M. alternatus and its gallery construction behavior is key to exploring the survival and reproductive mechanisms and population variation, as well as the associated disaster prevention and control planning. In this study, CT technology was used to scan wood segments of Pinus densiflora harmed by M. alternatus, and three-dimensional reconstruction technology was used to obtain gallery models. The results showed that the gallery types of M. alternatus were single and most of them were C-shaped, and a few were S-shaped or Y-shaped. There was no significant difference in the structural parameters of the three galleries. Each gallery has only one larva, which does not collude with each other. CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction technology can realize the non-destructive identification and detection of the gallery of M. alternatus, which provides a new idea and method for understanding its hidden feeding behavior and control strategy.As a vector of pine wood nematode disease, Monochamus alternatus is wood-boring, cryptic, and extremely difficult to control—features that have made them a disastrous problem. In this study, we present a method of scanning the galleries of Monochamus alternatus using CT (computed tomography) technology to obtain their systematic structure via 3D (three-dimensional) reconstruction, so as to clarify the gallery types and their structural parameters. TLC (thin-layer chromatography) scanning on wood segments damaged by M. alternatus was performed using a 128-row spiral CT GE Revolution EVO to obtain 64-layer CT scanned images. From the scanned images, we were able to clearly identify the beetle larvae and their galleries. The galleries were clearly delineated from the peripheral xylem, except for parts that were blocked by a frass–feces mixture, which were slightly blurred. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the galleries showed that most of the gallery types were C-shaped, and a few were S-shaped or Y-shaped. There was only one larva per gallery, and the galleries were separate. The vicinity of the entrance hole and the anterior part of the pupal chamber were blocked with a frass–feces mixture. There were no significant differences among the galleries’ parameters, such as the width of the entrance holes, tunneling depth, vertical length, blockage length and volume, total length of the galleries, and boring volume. With MIMICS (Materialise’s interactive medical image control system) image processing software, the images of each layer were made into a composite image, providing an effective way to visualize the 3D distribution of galleries. Using the methodology outlined in this study, both a single gallery structure and the spatial distribution of multiple galleries of M. alternatus can be shown, and the specific parameters of galleries can also be accurately calculated, which provides new ideas and methods for carrying out ecological and scientific research and precise prevention and control techniques of M. alternatus.

A cone beam computed tomography study based on three-dimensional cephalometric analysis of relationships between the lip-line and jaw deformity

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to use the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to study the relationships between the lip-line and mandible deformity. DesignCBCT data of 20 patients with jaw deformity (experimental group) and 20 patients without mandible deformity (control group) were selected. Use three-dimensional cephalometry to measure the reconstructed images of CBCT data simulated by the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (Mimics), mark the related points, lines and planes of the three-dimensional craniomaxillofacial structure, and measure relevant distances and angles. The T-test, Pearson correlation analysis and Linear regression were used to analyze the characteristics of the lip-line and jaw deformity. ResultsThere was a significant difference in the lip-line between mandible deformity group and control group. Significant positive correlations could been found among the lip-line cant, the occlusal plane cant, the mandibular plane cant and the degree of mandible deformity (r=0.964, 0.942, 0.611, P < 0.01). A linear relationship was found between the left lip-line cant Y and the menton deviation X [the mandible deflection to the right was defined as positive, and the left lip-line below frankfort horizontal was viewed as positive] as Y= 0.340 + 0.505X. ConclusionsThe lip-line of patients with jaw deformity was inclined, and the lip-line cant was positively correlated with the degree of mandible deformity, and there was a certain linear relationship between the two, which could provide a theoretical reference for clinicians to diagnose and treat patients with mandible deformity.

A New Method for Anterior Boundary Demarcation of the Nasopharynx in Three-Dimensional Analysis

Three-dimensional (3D) measurements of the upper airway have been extensively applied and researched, but the division of the airway is carried out in various ways, especially when demarcating the anterior boundary of the nasopharynx. The present study was to propose a new method based on the anatomical definition for the anterior boundary demarcation of the nasopharynx used in three-dimensional analysis. Twenty computed tomography scans (age 9.5 ± 2.5 years, 11 males, and 9 females) of head and neck were randomly selected and transferred to Materialism's interactive medical image control system 19.0 for segmentation of the nasopharynx. Precise localization of the reference points that determining the nasopharyngeal anterior and inferior boundaries was managed by recording their coordinates in the interface of the software. The area of the anterior and the inferior boundaries, and the volume of the nasopharynx were measured and repeated with a 2-week interval for the consistency test. Both the interobserver reliability as well as the intra-observer reliability were very high (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.985-0.997). Paired t test showed no significant difference between the first and the second examinations. This new simple method proposed for demarcation of the nasopharyngeal anterior boundary was based on the innate anatomical boundary, which was statistically reliable, technically convenient, and clinically reasonable.

Optic canal characteristics in pediatric syndromic craniosynostosis

The aim of this study was to compare optic canal parameters of syndromic craniosynostosis patients with those of normal patients to visit the possibility of optic nerve impingement as a cause of visual impairment.Computed tomography scan images were processed using the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) Research 21.0 software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). Eleven optic canal parameters were measured: 1) height of optic canal on the cranial side, 2) height of optic canal on the orbital side 3) length of the medial wall of the optic canal, 4) length of the lateral canal wall of the optic canal, 5) diameter of the optic canal at five points (Q1-Q4 and mid canal), and 6) area and perimeter of optic canal. These measurements were obtained for both the right and left optic canals.The study sample comprised four Crouzon syndrome, five Apert syndrome, and three Pfeiffer syndrome patients. The age of these syndromic craniosynostosis patients ranged from 2 to 63 months. The height of the optic canal on the orbital side (p = 0.041), diameter of the mid canal (p = 0.040), and diameter between the mid-canal and the cranial opening (Q3) (p = 0.079) for syndromic craniosynostosis patients were statistically narrower compared with those of normal patients when a significance level of 0.1 was considered. Scatter plots for the ages of patients versus the above parameters gave three separated clusters that suggested the arresting of optic canal development with age.The findings from this study demonstrated a narrowing of the optic canal in syndromic craniosynostosis patients, and indicate that optic canal anatomical characteristics may have an association with visual impairment among pediatric syndromic craniosynostosis patients.

Role of 3D Printing and Modeling to Aid in Neuroradiology Education for Medical Trainees.

Applications of 3-dimensional (3D) printing in medical imaging and health care are expanding. Currently, primary uses involve presurgical planning and patient and medical trainee education. Neuroradiology is a complex subdiscipline of radiology that requires further training beyond radiology residency. This review seeks to explore the clinical value of 3D printing and modeling specifically in enhancing neuroradiology education for radiology physician residents and medical trainees. A brief review summarizing the key steps from radiologic image to 3D printed model is provided, including storage of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data as digital imaging and communications in medicine files; conversion to standard tessellation language (STL) format; manipulation of STL files in interactive medical image control system software (Materialise) to create 3D models; and 3D printing using various resins via a Formlabs 2 printer. For the purposes of demonstration and proof of concept, neuroanatomy models deemed crucial in early radiology education were created via open-source hardware designs under free or open licenses. 3D-printed objects included a sphenoid bone, cerebellum, skull base, middle ear labyrinth and ossicles, mandible, circle of Willis, carotid aneurysm, and lumbar spine using a combination of clear, white, and elastic resins. Based on this single-institution experience, 3D-printed complex neuroanatomical structures seem feasible and may enhance resident education and patient safety. These same steps and principles may be applied to other subspecialties of radiology. Artificial intelligence also has the potential to advance the 3D process.

Modelling and Blood Flow Analysis of Internal Pudendal Artery

A common male sexual disorder is erectile dysfunction which has multidimensions. In this fast-moving world, it is prominently seen in lots of males. There are many causes for Erectile Dysfunction, one of the major causes is the improper supply of blood to the penile organ. That may be due to vasoconstriction or blockage in the internal pudendal artery which supplies oxygen to the penile organ. A simulated model of the internal iliac artery to the internal prudential artery is designed and a flow simulation is done using Solid works software. The Computed Tomography of a male subject is obtained and a three-dimensional model of the abdominal artery is extracted using MIMICS (Materialize Interactive Medical Image Control System) software. By making use of the measured dimensions from the three-dimensional image. The 3D models (Normal condition, Abnormal condition with blockage, and Abnormal condition with constrictions) are designed and the Flow analysis is done in Solid works software. By the end of the study, we came to a conclusion that at normal temperature and pressure, the simulated normal volumetric blood flow at the internal pudendal artery is 6.88701e-09 m3/s and for abnormal cases the simulated volumetric blood flow is 2.6107e-09m3/s.

The Differentiation in Image Post-processing and 3D Reconstruction During Evaluation of Carotid Plaques From MR and CT Data Sources.

Background: Carotid plaque morphology and tissue composition help assess risk stratification of stroke events. Many post-processing image techniques based on CT and MR images have been widely used in related research, such as image segmentation, 3D reconstruction, and computer fluid dynamics. However, the criteria for the 3D numerical model of carotid plaque established by CT and MR angiographic image data remain open to questioning.Method: We accurately duplicated the geometry and simulated it using computer software to make a 3D numerical model. The initial images were obtained by CTA and TOF-MRA. MIMICS (Materialize’s interactive medical image control system) software was used to process the images to generate three-dimensional solid models of blood vessels and plaques. The subsequent output was exported to the ANSYS software to generate finite element simulation results for the further hemodynamic study.Results: The 3D models of carotid plaque of TOF-MRA and CTA were simulated by using computer software. CTA has a high-density resolution for carotid plaque, the boundary of the CTA image is obvious, and the main component of which is a calcified tissue. However, the density resolution of TOF-MRA for the carotid plaque and carotid artery was not as good as that of CTA. The results show that there is a large deviation between the TOF-MRA and CTA 3D model of plaque in the carotid artery due to the unclear recognition of plaque boundary during 3D reconstruction, and this can further affect the simulation results of hemodynamics.Conclusion: In this study, two-dimensional images and three-dimensional models of carotid plaques obtained by two angiographic techniques were compared. The potential of these two imaging methods in clinical diagnosis and fluid dynamics of carotid plaque was evaluated, and the selectivity of image post-processing analysis to original medical image acquisition was revealed.

Relationships between jaw deformity and the occlusal plane in cone beam computed tomography scans

Statement of problemConsistent findings about the relationships between jaw deformity and the occlusal plane are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to explore the relationships between the occlusal plane and jaw deformity by measuring data obtained from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Material and methodsReconstructed images simulated by using the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (Mimics) software program of CBCT data of 80 participants with facial asymmetry and 42 participants from the normal control group were measured with a new 3-dimensional geometric morphologic measurement system. Fifteen craniofacial surfaces were marked at a point, line, or plane, measuring correlation distances and angles to analyze the relationship between jaw deformity and the inclination of the occlusal plane and other relevant facial features. The Student t test was used to analyze whether the difference in the occlusal plane between the jaw deformity group and the normal group was statistically significant (α=.05). The Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation among the jaw deformity, the occlusal plane, and other landmarks, and linear regression was used to analyze the relationships among them. ResultsA significant difference was found between the occlusal plane of the jaw deformity and that of the normal group (P<.001) and a significant positive correlation between the degree of mandibular deformity and the inclination of occlusal plane (P<.001). A linear relationship was found between the linear regression equation of the angle of the left occlusal plane and the midsagittal sagittal plane Y and the distance between the mental apex of chin and the midsagittal plane X (the mandibular deflection to the right was defined as positive) as Y=90.646+0.388X. Statistically significant differences were found in the deviation of the chin vertex from the midsagittal plane and the distance between the midlines of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors by more than 2 mm (P<.001). ConclusionsA positive correlation was found between the inclination of the occlusal plane and the degree of jaw deformity, with a linear relationship between them. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the clinical reconstruction of occlusal relationships with jaw deformity.

Optic Canal Analysis in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: Volumetric and Surface Area Validation Study Using Different Measurement Modalities.

In syndromic craniosynostosis (SC), unlike persistent corneal irritation due to severe exophthalmos and increased intracranial pressure, optic canal (OC) stenosis has been scarcely reported to cause visual impairment. This study aimed to validate the OC volumetric and surface area measurement among SC patients. Sixteen computed tomography scan of SC patients (8 months-6 years old) were imported to Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) and Materialise 3-matics software. Three-dimensional (3D) OC models were fabricated, and linear measurements were obtained. Mathematical formulas were used for calculation of OC volume and surface area from the 3D model. The same measurements were obtained from the software and used as ground truth. Data normality was investigated before statistical analyses were performed. Wilcoxon test was used to validate differences of OC volume and surface area between 3D model and software. The mean values for OC surface area for 3D model and MIMICS software were 103.19 mm2 and 31.27 mm2, respectively, whereas the mean for OC volume for 3D model and MIMICS software were 184.37 mm2 and 147.07 mm2, respectively. Significant difference was found between OC volume (P = 0.0681) and surface area (P = 0.0002) between 3D model and software. Optic canal in SC is not a perfect conical frustum thus making 3D model measurement and mathematical formula for surface area and volume estimation not ideal. Computer software remains the best modality to gauge dimensional parameter and is useful to elucidates the relationship of OC and eye function as well as aiding intervention in SC patients.

3D Printing Hip Prostheses Offer Accurate Reconstruction, Stable Fixation, and Functional Recovery for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty with Complex Acetabular Bone Defect

Complicated and large acetabular bone defects present the main challenges and difficulty in the revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to explore the advantages of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the reconstruction of such acetabular bone defects. We retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of four severe bone defects around the acetabulum in three patients who were treated using 3D printing technology. Reconstruction of bone defect by conventional methods was difficult in these patients. In this endeavor, we used radiographic methods, related computer software such as Materialise's interactive medical image control system and Siemens NX software, and actual surgical experience to estimate defect volume, prosthesis stability, and installation accuracy, respectively. Moreover, a Harris hip score was obtained to evaluate limb function. It was found that bone defects could be adequately reconstructed using a 3D printing prosthesis, and its stability was reliable. The Harris hip score indicated a very good functional recovery in all three patients. In conclusion, 3D printing technology had a good therapeutic effect on both complex and large bone defects in the revision of THA. It was able to achieve good curative effects in patients with large bone defects.

N-Sanitization: A semantic privacy-preserving framework for unstructured medical datasets

The introduction and rapid growth of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), a subset of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the medical and healthcare systems, has brought numerous changes and challenges to current medical and healthcare systems. Healthcare organizations share data about patients with research organizations for various medical discoveries. Releasing such information is a tedious task since it puts the privacy of patients at risk with the understanding that textual health documents about an individual contains specific sensitive terms that need to be sanitized before such document can be released. Recent approaches improved the utility of protected output by substituting sensitive terms with appropriate “generalizations” that are retrieved from several medical and general-purpose knowledge bases (KBs). However, these approaches perform unnecessary sanitization by anonymizing the negated assertions, e.g., AIDS-negative. This paper proposes a semantic privacy framework that effectively sanitizes the sensitive and semantically related terms in healthcare documents. The proposed model effectively identifies the negated assertions (e.g., AIDS-negative) before the sanitization process in IoMT which further improves the utility of sanitized documents. Moreover, besides considering the sensitive medical findings, we also incorporated state-of-the-art metrics, i.e., Protected Health Information (PHI), as defined in the privacy rules such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Informatics for Integrating Biology & the Bedside (i2b2), and Materialize Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS). The proposed approach is evaluated on real clinical data provided by i2b2. On average the detection (for both PHI’s and medical findings) accuracy is improved with Precision, Recall and F-measure score at 21%, 51%, and 54% respectively. The overall improved data utility of our proposed model is 8% as compared to C-sanitized and 25% when comparing it with a simple reduction approach. Experimental results show that our approach effectively manages the privacy and utility trade-off as compared to its counterparts.

Three dimensional modeling method of MIMICS adjacent mask spherical open cell aluminum foam-polyurethane composites based on DICOM data

The complexity and irregularity of the internal structure of aluminum foam and the particularity of the fabricating method make it difficult to establish a three-dimensional model that can accurately reflect the internal structure of aluminum foam-polyurethane composites. This study presents a method of three-dimensional reconstruction of the Materialise’s Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) adjacent mask based on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data. Firstly, spherical open cell aluminum foam-polyurethane composites with different pore sizes (5 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm) were prepared. Then the corresponding DICOM data of the spherical open cell aluminum foam-polyurethane composites were obtained by CT-scan. Based on adjacent mask, the three-dimensional simulation model of spherical open cell aluminum foam-polyurethane composites was successfully reconstructed in MIMICS. In order to verify the feasibility of this modeling method, a quasi-static compression simulation of the three-dimensional simulation model was carried out by ABAQUS, and the simulated stress-strain curves were acquired. The quasi-static compression experiments were performed on the prepared aluminum foam-polyurethane composites, and the experimental nominal stress-strain curves were obtained. The simulated nominal stress-strain curves were compared with the experimental nominal stress-strain curves. Results show that the two curves are basically the same. The feasibility and accuracy of the three-dimensional modeling method for the aluminum foam-polyurethane composites are verified.