Visualization of Contact Areas and Ligament Paths in Joints

We demonstrate a method for visualizing contact areas and ligament paths in articular joints. Contact areas define the cortical surface where bones articulate with each other. Visualization of contact areas and ligament paths has the potential to non-invasively highlight subtle but important differences between injured and uninjured joints. Animations of these visualizations are particularly helpful for understanding changes in relationships among bones. We applied our technique to the distal radioulnar joint of a volunteer diagnosed with malunited distal radial fracture in one forearm. Our approach highlights modifications in injured forearm kinematics previously undetected.