title: [Serial thin cross-sectional anatomy and computerized three-dimensional reconstruction of metacarpal fascial spaces of hand].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To build three-dimensional (3-D) visible model for surgical treatment of infection of fascial spaces of hand.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serial thin cross-sections (0.2 mm) of hand were made by cryomicrotome, and the thin cross-sections of metacarpal parts were observed. A personal computer was employed to reconstruct 3-D model of metacarpal fascial space.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The shapes, locations and adjacent relations of the mid-palmar space, thenar space and metacarpal bones were displayed clearly from computerized 3-D model, which could be the cross-reference of the cross-sections expediently.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The computerized 3-D reconstruction of metacarpal fascial spaces can provide some guidance for surgical treatment of infection and other diseases of metacarpal fascial spaces.
authors.affiliation: Central Laboratory, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
authors.forename: Gui-you
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Zheng-zhi
authors.initials: ZZ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jin-xing
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Ke
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ke
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Chang-zhi
authors.initials: CZ
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D006225:Hand / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional