3D representation of the surface topography of normal and dysplastic trochlea using MRI

The three-dimensional (3D) image of the articular surface topography of the normal and the dysplastic trochlea has not been defined. The aim of this study was to represent both the normal and dysplastic trochlear geometry in 3D using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using the segmentation software program Amira (Mercury Computer Systems, Inc., Chelmsford, USA) we created 3D reconstructions of the distal femur bone and cartilage using MRI scans. Bone and cartilage of the distal femur were traced slice by slice in the acquisitioned dimension while the Amira program reconstructed the 3D model. This model was then transferred to the Rhinoceros 4.0 software (Robert McNeel & Associates, Seattle, USA) for measuring. Using this system a non-invasive 3D representation of the articular cartilage and bone of the normal trochlea and depiction of different types of trochlear dysplasia were possible. Potential advantages of these MRI measurements are assessment of the 3D articular cartilage of the whole trochlea and the bony contours on the same image, no imaging errors from joint malpositioning, no ionizing radiation, precise preoperative planning according to the documented pathomorphology, and comparison between the preoperative and the postoperative shapes. The disadvantages include higher costs compared to radiography or CT scans, and time consuming reconstruction, making them currently a research tool.