Three-Dimensional Rendering Of Medical Images: Surface And Volume Approach

We have compared the volume-based and the surface-based algorithms for 3D rendering of the human skull as applied to planning of craniofacial surgery. Both methods were applied to a selected sample of 12 CT studies exhibiting a variety of clinical problems. The number of slices ranged from 24 to 72 and the slice thickness from 1.5 to 6.2 mm. In general, volume renderings capture the anatomy in greater detail but are more prone to interpolation and thin bone artifacts. The surface based and the volume based techniques have complimentary roles in medical imaging. Surface extraction is needed in applications involving pattern recognition and fabrication of prostheses. Volumetric rendering excel in imaging multiple tissue and in handling diffuse edges.