Cadaveric Study and Micro-Computed Tomography of the Anatomy of Palatine Aponeurosis and its Link to the Soft Palate Muscles and Pharyngeal Muscles

2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110631
Author(s):  
Jiuli Zhao ◽  
Hengyuan Ma ◽  
Yongqian Wang ◽  
Tao Song ◽  
Di Wu ◽  
...  

Objective There have been few studies on the anatomy of palatine aponeurosis (PA). Herein, we elucidated the relationship between the PA and soft palate muscles and pharyngeal muscles. Design Two cadaveric specimens were dissected to observe the gross anatomy of the PA. Six cadaveric specimens were processed and scanned by micro-computed tomography to determine the elaborate anatomy. Images were exported to Mimics software to reconstruct a three-dimensional model. Results The PA covered the anterior (32.1%-38.8%) of the soft palate, extending from the tensor veli palatini (TVP) and connecting to 3 muscles: palatopharyngeus (PP), uvula muscle, and superior pharyngeal constrictor (SC). The SC and PP are attached to the PA on the medial side of the pterygoid hamulus. SC muscle fibers were attached to the hamulus, forming a distinct gap between the hamulus. Some muscle fibers of the PP and uvula originated from the PA. The PA extended from the TVP to the midline and the posterior edge of the hard palate. The PA was not uniformly distributed, which was complementary to the attached muscles in thickness. Conclusions PA, as a flexible fibrous membrane, maintains the shape of the soft palate. It extends from the TVP and covers anteriorly about one-third of the soft palate. The PA provides a platform for the soft palate muscles and pharyngeal muscles, connecting to the PP, uvula muscle, and SC. These muscles are important for palatopharyngeal closure and middle-ear function. It is necessary to minimize the damage to the PA during surgical interventions.

2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110363
Author(s):  
Jiuli Zhao ◽  
Hengyuan Ma ◽  
Yongqian Wang ◽  
Tao Song ◽  
Chanyuan Jiang ◽  
...  

Objective Palatoplasty would involve the structures around the pterygoid hamulus. However, clinicians hold different opinions on the optimal approach for the muscles and palatine aponeurosis around the pterygoid hamulus. The absence of a consensus regarding this point can be attributed to the lack of investigations on the exact anatomy of this region. Therefore, we used micro-computed tomography to examine the anatomical structure of the region surrounding the pterygoid hamulus. Design Cadaveric specimens were stained with iodine–potassium iodide and scanned by micro-computed tomography to study the structures of the tissues, particularly the muscle fibers. We imported Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine images to Mimics to reconstruct a 3-dimensional model and simplified the model. Results Three muscles were present around the pterygoid hamulus, namely the palatopharyngeus (PP), superior constrictor (SC), and tensor veli palatini (TVP). The hamulus connects these muscles as a key pivot. The TVP extended to the palatine aponeurosis, which bypassed the pterygoid hamulus, and linked the PP and SC. Some muscle fibers of the SC originated from the hamulus, the aponeurosis of which was wrapped around the hamulus. There was a distinct gap between the pterygoid hamulus and the palatine aponeurosis. This formed a pulley-like structure around the pterygoid hamulus. Conclusions Transection or fracture of the palatine aponeurosis or pterygoid hamulus, respectively, may have detrimental effects on the muscles around the pterygoid hamulus, which play essential roles in the velopharyngeal function and middle ear ventilation. Currently, cleft palate repair has limited treatment options with proven successful outcomes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton Du Plessis ◽  
Ruhan Slabbert ◽  
Liani Colette Swanepoel ◽  
Johan Els ◽  
Gerrie J Booysen ◽  
...  

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the first detailed three-dimensional (3D) print from micro-computed tomography data of the skeleton of an ancient Egyptian falcon mummy. Design/methodology/approach – Radiographic analysis of an ancient Egyptian falcon mummy housed at Iziko Museums of South Africa was performed using non-destructive x-ray micro-computed tomography. A 1:1 physical replica of its skeleton was printed in a polymer material (polyamide) using 3D printing technology. Findings – The combination of high-resolution computed tomography scanning and rapid prototyping allowed us to create an accurate 1:1 model of a biological object hidden by wrappings. This model can be used to study skeletal features and morphology and also enhance exhibitions hosted within the museum. Originality/value – This is the first replica of its kind made of an ancient Egyptian falcon mummy skeleton. The combination of computed tomography scanning and 3D printing has the potential to facilitate scientific research and stimulate public interest in Egyptology.


Author(s):  
Valeria Vendries ◽  
Tamas Ungi ◽  
Jordan Harry ◽  
Manuela Kunz ◽  
Jana Podlipská ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Osteophytes are common radiographic markers of osteoarthritis. However, they are not accurately depicted using conventional imaging, thus hampering surgical interventions that rely on pre-operative images. Studies have shown that ultrasound (US) is promising at detecting osteophytes and monitoring the progression of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound reconstructions may offer a means to quantify osteophytes. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of osteophyte depiction in the knee joint between 3D US and conventional computed tomography (CT). Methods Eleven human cadaveric knees were pre-screened for the presence of osteophytes. Three osteoarthritic knees were selected, and then, 3D US and CT images were obtained, segmented, and digitally reconstructed in 3D. After dissection, high-resolution structured light scanner (SLS) images of the joint surfaces were obtained. Surface matching and root mean square (RMS) error analyses of surface distances were performed to assess the accuracy of each modality in capturing osteophytes. The RMS errors were compared between 3D US, CT and SLS models. Results Average RMS error comparisons for 3D US versus SLS and CT versus SLS models were 0.87 mm ± 0.33 mm (average ± standard deviation) and 0.95 mm ± 0.32 mm, respectively. No statistical difference was found between 3D US and CT. Comparative observations of imaging modalities suggested that 3D US better depicted osteophytes with cartilage and fibrocartilage tissue characteristics compared to CT. Conclusion Using 3D US can improve the depiction of osteophytes with a cartilaginous portion compared to CT. It can also provide useful information about the presence and extent of osteophytes. Whilst algorithm improvements for automatic segmentation and registration of US are needed to provide a more robust investigation of osteophyte depiction accuracy, this investigation puts forward the potential application for 3D US in routine diagnostic evaluations and pre-operative planning of osteoarthritis.


2021 ◽  
pp. 205141582110002
Author(s):  
Lorenz Berger ◽  
Aziz Gulamhusein ◽  
Eoin Hyde ◽  
Matt Gibb ◽  
Teele Kuusk ◽  
...  

Objective: Surgical planning for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is widely performed using two-dimensional computed tomography images. It is unclear to what extent two-dimensional images fully simulate surgical anatomy and case complexity. To overcome these limitations, software has been developed to reconstruct three-dimensional models from computed tomography data. We present the results of a feasibility study, to explore the role and practicality of virtual three-dimensional modelling (by Innersight Labs) in the context of surgical utility for preoperative and intraoperative use, as well as improving patient involvement. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy at our high volume kidney cancer centre. Approval from a research ethics committee was obtained. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics were collected. Surgical outcome measures were recorded. The value of the three-dimensional model to the surgeon and patient was assessed using a survey. The prospective cohort was compared against a retrospective cohort and cases were individually matched using RENAL (radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines) scores. Results: This study included 22 patients. Three-dimensional modelling was found to be safe for this prospective cohort and resulted in good surgical outcome measures. The mean (standard deviation) console time was 158.6 (35) min and warm ischaemia time was 17.3 (6.3) min. The median (interquartile range) estimated blood loss was 125 (50–237.5) ml. Two procedures were converted to radical nephrectomy due to the risk of positive margins during resection. The median (interquartile range) length of stay was 2 (2–3) days. No postoperative complications were noted and all patients had negative surgical margins. Patients reported improved understanding of their procedure using the three-dimensional model. Conclusion: This study shows the potential benefit of three-dimensional modelling technology with positive uptake from surgeons and patients. Benefits are improved perception of vascular anatomy and resection approach, and procedure understanding by patients. A randomised controlled trial is needed to evaluate the technology further. Level of evidence: 2b


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xin Wan ◽  
Ximing Liu ◽  
Jichen Miao ◽  
Peng Cong ◽  
Yuai Zhang ◽  
...  

Pebble dynamics is important for the safe operation of pebble-bed high temperature gas-cooled reactors and is a complicated problem of great concern. To investigate it more authentically, a computed tomography pebble flow detecting (CT-PFD) system has been constructed, in which a three-dimensional model is simulated according to the ratio of 1 : 5 with the core of HTR-PM. A multislice helical CT is utilized to acquire the reconstructed cross-sectional images of simulated pebbles, among which special tracer pebbles are designed to indicate pebble flow. Tracer pebbles can be recognized from many other background pebbles because of their heavy kernels that can be resolved in CT images. The detecting principle and design parameters of the system were demonstrated by a verification experiment on an existing CT system in this paper. Algorithms to automatically locate the three-dimensional coordinates of tracer pebbles and to rebuild the trajectory of each tracer pebble were presented and verified. The proposed pebble-detecting and tracking technique described in this paper will be implemented in the near future.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emi Yamashita-Mikami ◽  
Mikako Tanaka ◽  
Naoki Sakurai ◽  
Kazuho Yamada ◽  
Hayato Ohshima ◽  
...  

The subject was a 53-year-old male. An alveolar bone sample was obtained from the site of the lower left first molar, before dental implant placement. Although the details of the trabecular structure were not visible with conventional computed tomography, micro-computed tomography (microCT) three-dimensional images of the alveolar bone biopsy sample showed several plate-like trabeculae extending from the lingual cortical bone. Histological observations of the bone sample revealed trabeculae, cuboidal osteoblasts, osteoclasts and hematopoietic cells existing in the bone tissue at the implantation site. Bone metabolic markers and calcaneal bone density were all within normal ranges, indicating no acceleration of the patient’s bone metabolism.Using microCT, and histological and histomorphometrical techniques, a great deal of valuable information about the bone tissue was obtained from a biopsy sample extracted from the patient’s planned implant site.


2014 ◽  
Vol 695 ◽  
pp. 588-591
Author(s):  
Khairul Salleh Basaruddin ◽  
Ruslizam Daud

This study aims to investigate the influence of trabecular bone in human mandible bone on the mechanical response under implant load. Three dimensional voxel finite element (FE) model of mandible bone was reconstructed from micro-computed tomography (CT) images that were captured from bone specimen. Two FE models were developed where the first consists of cortical bone, trabecular bone and implants, and trabecular bone part was excluded in the second model. A static analysis was conducted on both models using commercial software Voxelcon. The results suggest that trabecular bone contributed to the strength of human mandible bone and to the effectiveness of load distribution under implant load.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Lawson ◽  
Orestis L. Katsamenis ◽  
David Chatelet ◽  
Aiman Alzetani ◽  
Oliver Larkin ◽  
...  

Micro-computed tomography (µCT) provides non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) imaging of soft tissue microstructures. Specific features in µCT images can be identified using correlated two-dimensional (2D) histology images allowing manual segmentation. However, this is very time-consuming and requires specialist knowledge of the tissue and imaging modalities involved. Using a custom-designed µCT system optimized for imaging unstained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded soft tissues, we imaged human lung tissue at isotropic voxel sizes less than 10 µm. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin or cytokeratin 18 in columnar airway epithelial cells using immunofluorescence (IF), as an exemplar of this workflow. Novel utilization of tissue autofluorescence allowed automatic alignment of 2D microscopy images to the 3D µCT data using scripted co-registration and automated image warping algorithms. Warped IF images, which were accurately aligned with the µCT datasets, allowed 3D segmentation of immunoreactive tissue microstructures in the human lung. Blood vessels were segmented semi-automatically using the co-registered µCT datasets. Correlating 2D IF and 3D µCT data enables accurate identification, localization and segmentation of features in fixed soft lung tissue. Our novel correlative imaging workflow provides faster and more automated 3D segmentation of µCT datasets. This is applicable to the huge range of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues held in biobanks and archives.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document