Lukas Kamer

3D statistical modeling techniques to investigate the anatomy of the sacrum, its bone mass distribution, and the trans‐sacral corridors

The complex anatomy of the sacrum makes surgical fracture fixation challenging. We developed statistical models to investigate sacral anatomy with special regard to trans‐sacral implant fixation. We used computed tomographies of 20 intact adult pelves to establish 3D statistical models: a surface model of the sacrum and the trans‐sacral corridor S1, including principal component analysis (PCA), and an averaged gray value model of the sacrum given in Hounsfield Units. PCA demonstrated large variability in sacral anatomy markedly affecting the diameters of the trans‐sacral corridors. The configuration of the sacral alae and the vertical position of the auricular surfaces were important determinants of the trans‐sacral corridor dimension on level S1. The statistical model of trans‐sacral corridor S1 including the adjacent parts of the iliac bones showed main variation in length; however, the diameter was the main criterion for the surgically available corridor. The averaged gray value model revealed a distinct pattern of bone mass distribution with lower density particularly in the sacral alae. These advanced 3D statistical models provide a thorough anatomical understanding demonstrating the impact of sacral anatomy on positioning trans‐sacral implants.

Sacral Bone Mass Distribution Assessed by Averaged Three-Dimensional CT Models: Implications for Pathogenesis and Treatment of Fragility Fractures of the Sacrum.

BACKGROUND Fragility fractures of the sacrum are increasing in prevalence due to osteoporosis and epidemiological changes and are challenging in their treatment. They exhibit specific fracture patterns with unilateral or bilateral fractures lateral to the sacral foramina, and sometimes an additional transverse fracture leads to spinopelvic dissociation. The goal of this study was to assess sacral bone mass distribution and corresponding changes with decreased general bone mass. METHODS Clinical computed tomography (CT) scans of intact pelves in ninety-one individuals (mean age and standard deviation, 61.5 ± 11.3 years) were used to generate three-dimensional (3D) models of the sacrum averaging bone mass in Hounsfield units (HU). Individuals with decreased general bone mass were identified by measuring bone mass in L5 (group 1 with <100 HU; in contrast to group 2 with ≥100 HU). RESULTS In group 1, a large zone of negative Hounsfield units was located in the paraforaminal lateral region from S1 to S3. Along the trans-sacral corridors, a Hounsfield unit peak was observed laterally, corresponding to cortical bone of the auricular surface. The lowest Hounsfield unit values were found in the paraforaminal lateral region in the sacral ala. An intermediate level of bone mass was observed in the area of the vertebral bodies, which also demonstrated the largest difference between groups 1 and 2. Overall, the Hounsfield units were lower at S2 than S1. CONCLUSIONS The models of averaged bone mass in the sacrum revealed a distinct 3D distribution pattern. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The negative values in the paraforaminal lateral region may explain the specific fracture patterns in fragility fractures of the sacrum involving the lateral areas of the sacrum. Transverse fractures located between S1 and S2 leading to spinopelvic dissociation may occur because of decreased bone mass in S2. The largest difference between the studied groups was found in the vertebral bodies and might support the use of transsacral or cement-augmented implants.

Anatomy-based surgical concepts for individualized orbital decompression surgery in graves orbitopathy. I. Orbital size and geometry

Purpose: To analyze orbital morphological parameters that potentially could influence the effect of decompression surgery on exophthalmos reduction in Graves orbitopathy, thus making decompression surgery more predictable. Methods: To generate a reference database, a CT-based study was performed in 140 orbits obtained from adult patients with unaffected orbits in a European white ethnicity. The following parameters were chosen: orbital volume, globe volume, globe to orbital volume ratio, and orbital cone angle. Volumes were measured on postprocessed CT data using morphometric techniques. To define the cone angle, a 3-dimensional approach was chosen using the program Amira. Results: Significant interindividual variation was found in orbital volume from 18.9 to 33.4 ml and in globe volume from 6.0 to 10.1 ml. The globe to orbital volume ratio showed a relatively broad variation from 0.25 to 0.4. Differences in the orbital cone angle from 39.7° to 65.7° were observed. Conclusion: The experienced large variations in orbital morphology might significantly influence the degree of exophthalmos reduction, which can be obtained by standardized decompression procedures. Based on our results, a prospective clinical study will be conducted to test our hypothesis.

A method for assessing 3D shape variations of fuzzy regions and its application on human bony orbits.

In complex orbital defects, typically the eye globe is retruded in a pathological position. This is associated with severe functional and cosmetic post-traumatic conditions. Characteristically, the posterior orbital floor and the medial wall of the bony orbit (=region of interest, ROI) is fractured where adequate reconstruction is crucial for a satisfactory surgical outcome but difficult to achieve. By introducing the concept of preshaped, navigated orbital implants, the repair of complex orbital fracture patterns could be significantly facilitated and improved. However, this ROI, delineated according to surgical criteria, cannot be defined by distinct anatomical landmarks because of the absence of reliable anatomical features. The determination of homologous surface points therefore remains a problem in such regions. The aim of this study was to provide a method for the assessment of the 3D shape of the ROI and of its variability, respectively. By aligning an anatomically determinable region that embeds the region of interest with a thin plate spline, transformation homology can be determined suitable for subsequent state-of-the-art shape analysis. First results of shape variations are illustrated and give hints into the future of optimized implant design.

Fat extravasation due to unreamed and experimentally reamed intramedullary nailing of the sheep femur

AIM To compare systemic fat extravasation in unreamed and experimentally reamed nailing. METHODS An osteotomy was created in the proximal third of the femoral shaft in 16 sheep, and intramedullary pressure increase and fat extravasation were monitored for the two nailing techniques. RESULTS The highest intramedullary pressures, median 2700 mm Hg, and highest percentages of fat extravasation, peaking at almost 90% of fat, were found for the unreamed nailing technique. The values for the reamed group were significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS The extravasation of intramedullary fat can be attributed to the great increase in intramedullary pressure that occurs during unreamed nailing. Correctly performed intramedullary reaming with the new reaming system produces lower pressures and much less systemic fat extravasation, reducing the risk for fat embolism.

Computational anatomy of the proximal humerus: An ex vivo high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography study

Summary Background/Objective Spatial knowledge of the anatomy of the proximal humerus is critical for effective treatment, particularly in patients affected by fragility fractures. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) imaging with medical image processing techniques enable three dimensional (3D) analysis of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of bones of different sizes and shapes. Methods To elucidate the bony anatomy and to create 3D reference data, we conducted a computerized HR-pQCT-based study in intact postmortem samples of the proximal humerus to highlight the anatomy with particular emphasis on the size, shape, and bone stock distribution pattern. Fifty-eight defrozen intact humerus samples from 28 female and 30 male donors, who were aged 61–98 years old (mean age ± standard deviation, 80.6 ± 9 years), were scanned in the proximal third using the extended standard HR-pQCT protocol. A 3D statistical bone and averaged bone density models with low, middle, and high total vBMDs were computed. We examined the 3D patterns of size and shape variations using principal component analysis, and the vBMD distributions and variabilities using volume-rendering and virtual bore probing. Results The computer models revealed a highly variable bony anatomy in which size was the predominant variation in the first principal component (PC). In the second PC, we observed notable variabilities in the shape of the head and shaft inclination. A distinct 3D pattern of bone stock distribution was detected in which the lowest vBMD values were identified in the medullary cavity, middle values were identified in the central zone, and the highest values were identified in the cortex and humeral head—particularly in the subarticular zones. In the presence of bone loss, the vBMD values were ubiquitously decreased, but the pattern of 3D bone stock distribution was maintained. Conclusion The new anatomical 3D data that we acquired will improve the understanding of the normal bony anatomy of the proximal humerus. The extended HR-pQCT protocol and computer models may be used for other skeletal sites and used as 3D reference models that can be applied to systematically improve implant design and anchorage.

Classification of orbital morphology for decompression surgery in Graves’ orbitopathy: two-dimensional versus three-dimensional orbital parameters

Aim Three-dimensional (3D) CT reconstruction of the bony orbit for accurate measurement and classification of the complex orbital morphology may not be suitable for daily practice. We present an easily measurable two-dimensional (2D) reference dataset of the bony orbit for study of individual orbital morphology prior to decompression surgery in Graves’ orbitopathy. Methods CT images of 70 European adults (140 orbits) with unaffected orbits were included. On axial views, the following orbital dimensions were assessed: orbital length (OL), globe length (GL), GL/OL ratio and cone angle. Postprocessed CT data were required to measure the corresponding 3D orbital parameters. The 2D and 3D orbital parameters were correlated. Results The 2D orbital parameters were significantly correlated to the corresponding 3D parameters (significant at the 0.01 level). The average GL was 25 mm (SD±1.0), the average OL was 42 mm (SD±2.0) and the average GL/OL ratio was 0.6 (SD±0.03). The posterior cone angle was, on average, 50.2° (SD±4.1). Three orbital sizes were classified: short (OL≤40 mm), medium (OL>40 to <45 mm) and large (OL≥45 mm). Conclusions We present easily measurable reference data for the orbit that can be used for preoperative study and classification of individual orbital morphology. A short and shallow orbit may require a different decompression technique than a large and deep orbit. Prospective clinical trials are needed to demonstrate how individual orbital morphology affects the outcome of decompression surgery.

Anatomical background for the development of preformed cranioplasty implants.

Abstract Preformed cranioplasty implants form a new concept of implants to repair relatively large-sized calvarial defects. They could offer an alternative treatment to manually molded cranioplasty, and to flat or patient specific implants, while still achieving a satisfactory clinical result. We report on 3D statistical modeling and analysis performed in 80 clinical CT data of adult European Whites with unaffected calvarial bones to establish an anatomical background for the development of preformed alloplastic cranioplasty implants. Most size and shape (=form) variation was observed bilateral symmetrically in the central temporal region, showing up to 26.8 mm variation and 9.4 mm standard deviation from the mean form. Large deviation was also observed in the central lower forehead, in the central occipital region at the protuberantia occipitalis externa and laterally to it. An intermediate variation was detected at the transition area from the temporal to other regions, as well as in the frontal and occipital area. The cranial roof, the temporal fossa, and the nuchal region exhibited the lowest variability with a standard deviation of about 4 mm. Principal components analysis revealed no relevant shape but a significant size difference between genders. Size contributed to 24.4% of the overall form variability. The mean surface area difference between genders was 67 cm2. The size and number of implant forms required have to be referred to the relatively large anatomical variation experienced, and also to considerations related to implant location, design, and material. A rigid material is considered to significantly increase the number of implants forms, especially when repairing relatively large-sized defects.

Computational anatomy of the dens axis evaluated by quantitative computed tomography: Implications for anterior screw fixation

The surgical fracture fixation of the odontoid process (dens) of the second cervical vertebra (C2/axis) is a challenging procedure, particularly in elderly patients affected by bone loss, and includes screw positioning close to vital structures. The aim of this study was to provide an extended anatomical knowledge of C2, the bone mass distribution and bone loss, and to understand the implications for anterior screw fixation. One hundred and twenty standard clinical quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans of the intact cervical spine from 60 female and 60 male European patients, aged 18–90 years, were used to compute a three‐dimensional statistical model and an averaged bone mass model of C2. Shape and size variability was assessed via principal component analysis (PCA), bone mass distribution by thresholding and via virtual core drilling, and the screw placement via virtual positioning of screw templates. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a highly variable anatomy of the dens with size as the predominant variation according to the first principal component (PC) whereas shape changes were primarily described by the remaining PCs. The bone mass distribution demonstrated a characteristic 3D pattern, and remained unchanged in the presence of bone loss. Virtual screw positioning of two 3.5 mm dens screws with a 1 mm safety zone was possible in 81.7% in a standard, parallel position and in additional 15.8% in a twisted position. The approach permitted a more detailed anatomical assessment of the dens axis. Combined with a preoperative QCT it may further improve the diagnostic procedure of odontoid fractures.

Critical dimensions of trans-sacral corridors assessed by 3D CT models: Relevance for implant positioning in fractures of the sacrum

Trans‐sacral implants can be used alternatively to sacro‐iliac screws in the treatment of osteoporosis‐associated fragility fractures of the pelvis and the sacrum. We investigated trans‐sacral corridor dimensions, the number of individuals amenable to trans‐sacral fixation, as well as the osseous boundaries and shape of the S1 corridor. 3D models were reconstructed from pelvic CT scans from 92 Europeans and 64 Japanese. A corridor of <12 mm was considered critical for trans‐sacral implant positioning, and <8 mm as impossible. A statistical model of trans‐sacral corridor S1 was computed. The limiting cranio‐caudal diameter was 11.6 mm (±5.4) for S1 and 14 mm (±2.4) for S2. Trans‐sacral implant positioning was critical in 52% of cases for S1, and in 21% for S2. The S1 corridor was impossible in 26%, with no impossible corridor in S2. Antero‐superiorly, the S1 corridor was limited not only by the sacrum but in 40% by the iliac fossa. The statistical model demonstrated a consistent oval shape of the trans‐section of corridor S1. Considering the variable in size and shape of trans‐sacral corridors in S1, a thorough anatomical knowledge and preoperative planning are mandatory using trans‐sacral implants. In critical cases, S2 is a veritable alternative.