Reconstruction of the articular facets of the subtalar and talonavicular joints from volumetric magnetic resonance data

Image processing methods have been used to visualize the articular surfaces of an intact foot from an MR scan and to allow the relationship between th e joint surfaces to be studied. The MR protocol employed would be applicabl e in the living foot. Several standard image-processing methods have been u sed to develop protocols for manual and automated editing of a volumetric M R scan. The result is a volume-rendered foot, displaying the articular surf aces of the tarsal and metatarsal joints. The methods employed are discusse d and reconstructions of the subtalar and talonavicular joints presented, t hereby enabling a qualitative analysis of the facets on the talus, calcaneu s and navicular. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.