Three-dimensional Computer-aided Reconstruction of the Temporal Bone in Mongolian Gerbil / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The natural progress of experimentally induced diseases of the temporal bone can be more precisely observed using the 3-dimensional reconstructive technique. We therefore established a method by generating three-dimensional images of the temporal bone with histologic specimen, and measured the structures in the temporal bone of mongolian gerbil in three dimensions. MATERIALS AND METHOD: One mongolian gerbil(Meriones unguiculatus) of 5 weeks old was studied. Temporal bone specimen was processed for histologic study and reference marks were made in each paraffin block to permit accurate alignment. The embedded specimen was horizontally sectioned at 10 micrometer interval. Each histology section was digitalized and a total of 450 image data were entered to the computer software by tracing each region of interest with digitizer. RESULTS: We reconstructed 3-dimensional images of the cochlea, semicircular canals, and facial nerve. For the semicircular canals, we measured the width and height of each canal and angles between canals. For the cochlea, we measured the diameter of each turn and the volume. For the facial nerve, we measured the length of each segment and the angles between neighboring segments. CONCLUSION: In our study, we successfully reconstructed 3-dimensional images of the inner ear structures and facial nerve, and carried out a quantitative analysis of those structures. Applying this 3-dimensional reconstructive technique to disease-induced animal model, we would evaluate the progress of specific disease and the efficacy of treatment more accurately.