title: Potentialities and limitations of a database constructing three-dimensional virtual bone models.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  3D bone reconstructions performed during general clinical practice are of limited use for preclinical research, education, and training purposes. For this reason, we are constructing a database of human 3D virtual bone models compiled from computer tomography (CT) scans.
  
  
  METHODS
  CT data sets were post-processed using Amira(®) 5.2 software. In each cut, bone structures were isolated using semiautomatic labeling program codes. The software then generated extremely precise 3D bone models in STL format (standard triangulated language). These bone models offer a sustainable source of information for morphologic studies and investigations of biomechanical bony characteristics in complex anatomic regions. Regarding educational value and student acceptance models were introduced during bedside teaching and evaluated by medical students.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The current database is comprised of 131 pelvises and 120 femurs (ø 60 years, ø 172 cm, ø 76 kg), and is continuously growing. To date, 3D morphometric analyses of the posterior ring and the acetabulum have been successfully completed. Eighty students (96 %) evaluated instruction with virtual 3D bone models as "good" or "very good". The majority of students want to increase learning with virtual bone models covering various regions and diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With consistent and steadily increasing case numbers, the database offers a sustainable alternative to human cadaver work for practical investigations. In addition, it offers a platform for education and training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 22, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany, florian.radetzki@gmx.de.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Radetzki
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mendel
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Noser
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stoevesandt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Röllinghoff
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gutteck
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Delank
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wohlrab
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface