Studies in health technology and informatics
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Clinical TrialIn vivo quantitative analysis of scoliotic vertebrae.
An in vivo method based on CT images and finite element meshing had been developed to quantify and visualize the bone density distribution of scoliotic vertebrae. CT examination (axial acquisition of the apical, superior and inferior adjacent vertebral bodies) had been performed on seven girls presenting an idiopathic scoliosis. Using an in-house image processing software and the pre-post processor Patran, a surfacic finite element mesh of each body slice was proposed allowing an automatic mapping of the cancellous bone slices and a volumic mesh for the bone density distribution visualization. ⋯ The shift forward by slice was made in a same way for each slice, excepted at the end plates. Besides, one can observe that the scoliotic deformation evolution seemed to modify the mechanical property distribution. The results may also suggest predictive criteria of evolution of the scoliotic deformities.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Visible Korean Human: another trial for making serially-sectioned images.
In this ongoing study, we are trying to make Visible Korean Human (Mar 2000--Feb 2005). The complete MRIs and CTs of the Korean cadaver's entire body are scanned. The cadaver is serially-sectioned at 0.2 mm thickness without any missing images. ⋯ Fifth, small pixel size (0.2 mm x 0.2 mm) and thin thickness (0.2 mm) of sectioned images will be more helpful in showing the small anatomical structures greater than 0.2 mm. Sixth, the additional segmented images will be more helpful in making the 3D image and virtual dissection software. The Visible Korean Human will be the basis for making better 3D image and virtual dissection software which will be more helpful in medical education.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Comparative StudyRelation between the pelvis and the sagittal profile in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: the influence of curve type.
Previous studies have shown a correlation between pelvic parameters and the lumbar lordosis in normal subjects and in scoliotic adults. This study investigates the relationship between pelvic and spinal geometries in the sagittal plane for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients having various curve types. The study group was composed of 129 AIS patients classified according to their curve type: King I, King II, King III or lumbar curve. ⋯ This study showed that the TK mostly depends on the thoracic scoliotic curve and therefore on the shape and orientation of the vertebrae, which explains that many King I, II and III patients are hypokyphotic. Conversely, the LL is mainly influenced by the pelvic configuration. Since the pelvic parameters are similar for all groups, these parameters are not likely to be important in the development of a specific type of scoliotic curve.
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Attempts to predict the future are typically off the mark. Beyond the challenges of forecasting the stock market or the weather, dramatic instances of notoriously inaccurate prognostications have been those by the US patent office in the late 1800s about the future of inventions, by Thomas Watson in the 1930s about the market for large computers, and by Bill Gates in the early 1990s about the significance of the Internet. When one seeks to make predictions about health care, one finds that, beyond the usual uncertainties regarding the future, additional impediments to forecasting are the discontinuities introduced by advances in biomedical science and technology, the impact of information technology, and the reorganizations and realignments attending various approaches to health care delivery and finance. ⋯ This chapter seeks to lay out the direction we are heading in knowledge management and decision support, and to delineate an information technology framework that appears desirable. I believe the framework to be discussed is of importance to the health care-related knowledge management and decision making activities of the consumer and patient, the health care provider, and health care delivery organizations and insurers. The approach is also relevant to the other dimensions of academic health care institution activities, notably the conduct of research and the processes of education and learning.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Comparative StudyUsability analysis of VR simulation software.