Significance of helical CT myelography in reconstructing virtual anatomical models of cervical spondylosis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the advancements in helical CT myelography and computer image postprocessing, virtual medical imaging has acquired good outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex cervical spondylosis. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects and significance of helical CT myelography on multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction of virtual anatomical models of cervical spondylosis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The present computer three-dimensional reconstruction, gold standard control study was performed at the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University between January 2001 and January 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients with complex cervical spondylosis, who had received surgery, were employed for this study. METHODS: Virtual anatomical model of cervical spondylosis was established by multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction through the use of helical CT myelography in 20 patients. Scanning and reconstruction results were used for pre-surgery disease condition evaluation and virtual surgery. In addition, surgical intuitionistic results were considered gold standard to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of virtual anatomical models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The accuracy and efficacy of virtual anatomical models. RESULTS: Virtual anatomical models could concurrently show bony and membranate vertebral canals. These exhibited comprehensive and minute bony anatomic structure of cervical vertebrae and anatomic information regarding dura mater, spinal cord, and nerve sleeve for pre-surgery evaluation and virtual surgery. The imaging virtual anatomic information was in accordance with practical anatomical information in patients. CONCLUSION: Virtual anatomical model can be used to comprehensively evaluate the disease condition of cervical spondylosis and simulate the surgery due to its intuitionistic, vivid, and accurate display of anatomy of cervical vertebrae.