This paper describes the research materials, methodology, and results of an effort to develop detailed protocols for measuring bicondylar length of the femur using three different imaging software programs: 3D Slicer™, Amira™, and Simpleware™; the goal for these protocols is to provide researchers and practitioners in radiology, orthopedics, biomechanics, and biological anthropology with accurate and reproducible measurement techniques.
With the increased use of 3D-generated images in biological research, there is a critical need to adapt classical anatomical measurements, traditionally conducted with calipers, to a virtual environment. We present detailed protocols for measuring bicondylar length, a critical dimension of the femur, using three different imaging software programs—3D Slicer™, Amira™, and Simpleware™. These protocols provide researchers and practitioners in radiology, orthopedics, biomechanics, and biological anthropology with accurate and reproducible measurement techniques. The objective is to standardize and support virtual osteology in biomechanical research, stature estimation, and related medical and anthropological studies. Adhering to standardized protocols, we adapted femoral bicondylar length measurements for computed tomography images from a New Mexican collection (n = 10). The method was designed for applicability and reproducibility across three software platforms. By comparing measurements from the same sample across different observers and different platforms, this study validates the accuracy and consistency of the adapted protocol, demonstrating its utility for research and clinical assessments. The authors present a step-by-step guide for each program, detailing bone alignment and measurement. They illustrate each step and provide video tutorials via links for an enhanced understanding of the process. Bicondylar length can be measured effectively in each software program following the provided instructions. However, ease of measurement varied among the programs, with some offering a more straightforward process. This variability underscores the importance of choosing appropriate software for the user's needs and proficiency. It also suggests areas for improvement and standardization in software design and instructional clarity. (Published Abstract Provided)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- An enhanced computational method for age-at-death estimation based on the pubic symphysis using 3D laser scans and thin plate splines
- Commentary on: Alberink I, de Jongh A, Rodriguez C. Fingermark evidence evaluation based on automated fingerprint identification system matching scores: the effect of different types of conditioning on likelihood ratios. J Forensic Sci 2014; 59(1):70–81.
- Determining the Proper Evidentiary Basis for an Expert Opinion: What Do Experts Need to Know and When Do They Know Too Much?