[Three-dimensional 3D modeling: First applications in radioanatomy and interventional radiology under CT guidance].

PURPOSE

To model vertebrae in 3D to improve radioanatomic knowledge of the spine with the vascular and nerve environment and simulate CT-guided interventions.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Vertebra acquisitions were made with multidetector CT. We developed segmentation software and specific viewer software using the Delphi programming environment.

RESULTS

This segmentation software makes it possible to model 3D high-resolution segments of vertebrae and their environment from multidetector CT acquisitions. Then the specific viewer software provides multiplanar reconstructions of the CT volume and the possibility to select different 3D objects of interest.

DISCUSSION

This software package improves radiologists' radioanatomic knowledge through a new 3D anatomy presentation. Furthermore, the possibility of inserting virtual 3D objects in the volume can simulate CT-guided intervention.

CONCLUSION

The first volumetric radioanatomic software has been born. Furthermore, it simulates CT-guided intervention and consequently has the potential to facilitate learning interventions using CT guidance.