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. 2018 Nov;233(5):557-566.
doi: 10.1111/joa.12877. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

The digital human forearm and hand

Faes D Kerkhof  1 , Timo van Leeuwen  1 , Evie E Vereecke  1
Affiliations

The digital human forearm and hand

Faes D Kerkhof et al. J Anat. 2018 Nov.

Abstract

How changes in anatomy affect joint biomechanics can be studied using musculoskeletal modelling, making it a valuable tool to explore joint function in healthy and pathological joints. However, gathering the anatomical, geometrical and physiological data necessary to create a model can be challenging. Very few integrated datasets exist and even less raw data is openly available to create new models. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to create an integrated digital forearm and make the raw data available via an open-access database. An un-embalmed cadaveric arm was digitized using 7T MRI and CT scans. 3D geometrical models of bones, cartilage, muscle and muscle pathways were created. After MRI and CT scanning, physiological muscle parameters (e.g. muscle volume, mass, length, pennation angle, physiological cross-sectional area, tendon length) were obtained via detailed dissection. After dissection, muscle biopsies were fixated and confocal microscopy was used to visualize and measure sarcomere lengths. This study provides an integrated anatomical dataset on which complete and accurate musculoskeletal models of the hand can be based. By creating a 3D digital human forearm, including all relevant anatomical parameters, a more realistic musculoskeletal model can be created. Furthermore, open access to the anatomical dataset makes it possible for other researchers to use these data in the development of a musculoskeletal model of the hand.

Keywords: 3D model; hand muscles; medical imaging; open access; thumb anatomy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Anterior view of the thawed, fresh‐frozen arm placed in a thermoplastic cast. The yellow capsules can be seen at the proximal forearm, distal forearm and wrist.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Measurement of pennation angle (α) relative to the internal tendon.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Visualization of sarcomeres after DAPI staining under confocal microscopy.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(a) 3D model of intrinsic hand muscle and metacarpal bones. Dorsal view of MC V (left) until MC II (right). In red are shown (from left to right) m. abductor digiti minimi, m. interosseous dorsalis IV till II. (b) 3D impression of the extensor muscles of the wrist (dorsal view).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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