3D interactive model of lumbar spinal structures of anesthetic interest

Abstract

[EN]human magnetic resonance (MR) images and embedded in a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, which can be opened by freely available software and used off line. The MR images were analyzed using a specific 3D software platform for bio medical data. Models generated from manually delimited volumes of interest and selected MR images were exported to Virtual Reality Modeling Language format and were presented in a PDF document containing JavaScript-based functions. The 3D file and the corresponding instructions and license files can be down loaded freely at http://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/handle/2445/44844?locale5en. The 3D PDF interactive file includes reconstructions of the L3–L5 vertebrae, intervertebral disks, ligaments, epidural and foraminal fat, dural sac and nerve root cuffs, sensory and motor nerve roots of the cauda equina, and anesthetic approaches (epidural medial, spinal paramedial, and selective nerve root paths); it also includes a predefined sequential educational presentation. Zoom, 360 rotation, selective visualization, and transparency graduation of each structure and clipping functions are available. Familiarization requires no specialized infor matics knowledge. The ease with which the document can be used could make it valuable for anatomical and anesthetic teaching and demonstration of patient information.