Computerized 3D-reconstructions of the ligaments of the lateral aspect of ankle and subtalar joints

3D-reconstruction images of the structures of lateral aspect of the ankle a nd subtalar joints were produced using plastination to make equidistant ser ial sections of 1.2 mm in thickness. A SGI workstation was employed to reco nstruct the structures of the ligaments of the lateral aspect of ankle and subtalar joints in three dimensions. Reconstructed structures were displaye d singly, in groups or as a whole, and these were rotated continuously at d ifferent velocities in 3D space, Different diameters and angles of the reco nstructed structures could be measured easily. Improved results could be ac hieved with the use of a special sectional anatomical technique, i.e. conto urs + marching cubes algorithm.