[Study of three dimensional reconstruction and visualization of human mandible].
OBJECTIVE
This study is designed to reconstruct 3-D digital visible mandibular model using digital human database.


METHODS
An appropriate cadaver was fixed, and fused through arterial infusion, then embedded and sliced. The 2-D imaging data of mandible were obtained from this virtual human, and the virtual mandible was reconstructed using Amira software.


RESULTS
Complete and accurate data of the mandible sections were collected, with which the virtual mandible was reconstructed three dimensionally. This virtual mandible displayed accurately the anatomical structure of the actual mandible, including the location and direction of the mandibular teeth and the mandibular canal.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3-D mandible was constructed through the database of the digital human. The visible mandibular model will be an important learning tool in oral and maxillofacial anatomy and surgery, diagnosis and operation of mandibular diseases, and mandibular dental implantation.
Li
Ning-Yi
NY
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China. ningyili342@qingdaonews.com
Ma
Yan-Bo
YB
Gu
Fang
F
Wang
Yu
Y
Shan
Tao
T
Yu
Shi-Chao
SC
Li
Xin-Zhao
XZ
D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003765:Models, Dental; D012984:Software