Durrani Zeeshan, Penrose Fay, Anderson James, Ricci Emanuele, Carr Stephanie, Ressel Lorenzo
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
J Anat. 2025 May;246(5):857-868. doi: 10.1111/joa.14192. Epub 2024 Dec 20.
Understanding normal structural and functional anatomy is critical for health professionals across various fields such as medicine, veterinary, and dental courses. The landscape of anatomical education has evolved tremendously due to several challenges and advancements in blended learning approaches, which have led to the adoption of the use of high-fidelity 3D digital models in anatomical education. Cost-effective methods such as photogrammetry, which creates digital 3D models from aligning 2D photographs, provide a viable alternative to expensive imaging techniques (i.e. computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) whilst maintaining photorealism and serving multiple purposes, including surgical planning and research. This study outlines a comprehensive workflow for producing realistic 3D digital models from embalmed veterinary specimens. The process begins with the preservation of specimens using the modified-WhitWell (WhitWell-Liverpool) embalming protocol, which ensures optimal tissue rigidity and improved colour enhancement, facilitating easier manipulation and better photogrammetry outcomes. Once embalmed, specimens are photographed to create digital 3D models using photogrammetry. Briefly, all images are processed to generate a sparse point cloud, which is then rendered into a 3D mesh. The mesh undergoes decimation and smoothing to reduce computational load, and a texture is applied to create a lifelike model. Additional colour enhancements and adjustments are made using digital tools to restore the natural appearance of the specimens. The 3D models are stored on a cloud repository and integrated into the University of Liverpool's Virtual Learning Environment, providing continuous, remote access to high-quality anatomical resources. The switch to embalmed specimens during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for longer-term use and detailed dissections, enhancing the quality of digital models. Fresh specimens, though naturally coloured, are less stable for photogrammetry, making embalmed specimens preferable for accurate 3D modelling. Our method ensures embalmed specimens are rigid enough for precise modelling while allowing texture adjustments to enhance digital representation. This approach has improved logistical efficiency, educational delivery, and specimen quality. Innovative embalming techniques and advanced photogrammetry have the power to revolutionise anatomical education with the creation of a vast digital library accessible online to students at any time. This approach paves the way for integrating digital 3D models into immersive environments and assessing their impact on learning outcomes.
了解正常的结构和功能解剖学对于医学、兽医和牙科等各个领域的健康专业人员至关重要。由于混合学习方法面临的诸多挑战和取得的进展，解剖学教育领域发生了巨大变化，这导致在解剖学教育中采用了高保真3D数字模型。像摄影测量法这样具有成本效益的方法，通过对齐二维照片创建数字3D模型，为昂贵的成像技术（如计算机断层扫描和磁共振成像）提供了可行的替代方案，同时保持逼真度并服务于多种目的，包括手术规划和研究。本研究概述了从防腐处理的兽医标本制作逼真3D数字模型的全面工作流程。该过程始于使用改良的惠特韦尔（惠特韦尔-利物浦）防腐方案保存标本，该方案可确保最佳的组织硬度并改善色彩增强效果，便于更轻松地操作并获得更好的摄影测量结果。标本防腐处理后，使用摄影测量法对其进行拍照以创建数字3D模型。简要地说，所有图像都经过处理以生成稀疏点云，然后将其渲染为3D网格。对网格进行简化和平滑处理以减少计算量，并应用纹理以创建逼真的模型。使用数字工具进行额外的色彩增强和调整，以恢复标本的自然外观。3D模型存储在云存储库中，并集成到利物浦大学的虚拟学习环境中，提供对高质量解剖学资源的持续远程访问。在新冠疫情期间改用防腐处理的标本允许长期使用和进行详细解剖，提高了数字模型的质量。新鲜标本虽然颜色自然，但对于摄影测量来说稳定性较差，因此防腐处理的标本更适合进行精确的3D建模。我们的方法确保防腐处理的标本足够坚硬以进行精确建模，同时允许进行纹理调整以增强数字呈现效果。这种方法提高了后勤效率、教育交付质量和标本质量。创新的防腐技术和先进的摄影测量法有能力通过创建一个学生可以随时在线访问的庞大数字图书馆来彻底改变解剖学教育。这种方法为将数字3D模型集成到沉浸式环境中并评估其对学习成果的影响铺平了道路。
