Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Towards Effective Diagnosis and Prediction via
3D Patient Model: A Complete Research Plan
Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, Hon Fai Choi and Daniel Thalmann
1.1 Introduction
Rapid aging of the society is a global trend. In the aging community, joint diseases
are common problems. Major joints (knees, hips, hands and spine) are the most
affected sites and typical symptoms are significant functional impairment, inflam-
mation, pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
technique is widely used to capture the cartilage contour morphology and can detect
changes in cartilage thickness for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment planning.
Effective diagnosis and treatment planning rely heavily on the MRI-based image
processing, reconstruction and modeling, analysis, etc. We present in this chapter
novel methods and techniques, new algorithms and software to assist the better diag-
nosis and treatment of joint diseases.
Associated with the aging is the progressive degeneration process of articula-
tion: degenerative chondral lesions typically manifest on MRI as multiple areas of
cartilage thinning of varying depth and size, usually seen on opposing surfaces of
an articulation. In case of major degenerative lesions, a total knee arthroplasty is
practiced. To better treat the disease with long-term outcome, predictive planning
is a new concept yet to be explored. Taking into the consideration the progressive
