A novel method to perform morphological measurements on three-dimensional (3D) models of the calcaneus based on computed tomography (CT)-imaging

Alexander M. Wakker*, Esther M.M. Van Lieshout, A. Siebe De Boer*, Bart M.W. Cornelissen, Michael H.J. Verhofstad, Theo Van Walsum, Jacob J. Visser, Mark G. Van Vledder*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
13 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: While current preoperative and postoperative assessment of the fractured and surgically reconstructed calcaneus relies on computed tomography (CT)-imaging, there are no established methods to quantify calcaneus morphology on CT-images. This study aims to develop a semi-automated method for morphological measurements of the calcaneus on three-dimensional (3D) models derived from CT-imaging. Methods: Using CT data, 3D models were created from healthy, fractured, and surgically reconstructed calcanei. Böhler's angle (BA) and Critical angle of Gissane (CAG) were measured on conventional lateral radiographs and corresponding 3D CT reconstructions using a novel point-based method with semiautomatic landmark placement by three observers. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability scores were calculated using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). In addition, consensus among observers was calculated for a maximal allowable discrepancy of 5 and 10 degrees for both methods. Results: Imaging data from 119 feet were obtained (40 healthy, 39 fractured, 40 reconstructed). Semiautomated measurements on 3D models of BA and CAG showed excellent reliability (ICC: 0.87-1.00). The manual measurements on conventional radiographs had a poor-to-excellent reliability (ICC: 0.22-0.96). In addition, the percentage of consensus among observers was much higher for the 3D method when compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) measurements. Conclusions: The proposed method enables reliable and reproducible quantification of calcaneus morphology in 3D models of healthy, fractured and reconstructed calcanei.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3778-3788
Number of pages11
JournalQuantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery
Volume14
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2024

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