Asymmetry of the pelvic ring evaluated by CT-based 3D statistical modeling

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Biomechanics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The human pelvis, forming the pelvic ring, is typically considered symmetrical.
• Asymmetry of the pelvic ring (APR) can alter anatomy, function, and biomechanics.
• Current understanding and evaluation methods for APR are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess asymmetry of the pelvic ring (APR) using CT-based 3D statistical modeling.
• To improve understanding of APR for anatomical research and clinical settings.
• To identify common patterns and locations of pelvic asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• Post-processing of 150 pelvic CT scans from European and Asian males and females.
• Computation of gender- and ancestry-specific 3D statistical models.
• Principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate size, shape, and asymmetry patterns.

Main Results:

• Four gender- and ancestry-specific 3D statistical models of the pelvic ring were created.
• PCA identified six distinct asymmetry patterns.
• Identified APR locations include the sacrum, iliac crest, pelvic brim, pubic symphysis, inferior pubic ramus, and near the acetabulum.

Conclusions:

• The human pelvic ring exhibits asymmetry, challenging traditional views of symmetry.
• CT-based 3D statistical modeling and PCA effectively identified distinct APR patterns.
• Further research is needed for simpler, reliable methods to assess APR in clinical practice and research.