The digital human forearm and hand

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Anatomy
• Musculoskeletal modeling

Background:

• Musculoskeletal modeling is crucial for understanding joint biomechanics in healthy and pathological conditions.
• Creating accurate models is hindered by the lack of integrated and openly available anatomical, geometrical, and physiological data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated digital 3D forearm model.
• To make the raw anatomical data publicly accessible in an open-access database.

Main Methods:

• Digitization of an un-embalmed cadaveric arm using 7 Tesla (7T) MRI and CT scans.
• Creation of 3D geometrical models for bones, cartilage, muscles, and muscle pathways.
• Acquisition of physiological muscle parameters (e.g., volume, mass, length, pennation angle, physiological cross-sectional area, tendon length) through dissection and confocal microscopy for sarcomere length measurement.

Main Results:

• An integrated anatomical dataset of the human forearm was successfully created.
• Detailed 3D geometrical and physiological data were obtained for bones, cartilage, and muscles.
• The study provides a foundation for developing complete and accurate musculoskeletal models of the hand.

Conclusions:

• The creation of a 3D digital human forearm with comprehensive anatomical parameters facilitates more realistic musculoskeletal modeling.
• Open access to this dataset empowers other researchers to develop advanced musculoskeletal models of the hand.
• This resource aids in studying joint function and biomechanics.