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Semin Plast Surg 1999; 13(4): 37-47
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1080231
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© 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Use of Three-Dimensional Imaging for Surgical Planning and Research

Vikram P. Zadoo, Joel E. Pessa
  • V.P.Z., Chief Resident; J.E.P., Assistant Professor; Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 June 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Medicine is both a visual art and science. Its foundation is gross anatomy detailed by the original investigative tool, the human eye. Technologies that enhance this vision contribute to advances in medicine. Witness the compound microscope and the subsequent discovery of microorganisms.1 The ability to view our inner anatomy occurred with the development of the flat-plate radiograph by William Roentgen in 1895. This new discovery ushered in the modern era of fracture management and diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal system. The next great leap in radiology, computed tomography (CT), integrated osseous and soft tissue viewing with unparalleled anatomic imaging. The refinement in viewing afforded by this technology continues to influence many medical subspecialties. As a natural extension of this process, three-dimensional (3D) CT scanning imagery has recently been conceived and presents exciting clinical and investigative possibilities for the future.

Keywords

Three-dimensional scanning - rapid prototyping - skeletal research

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