Background: Neuroanatomical studies currently lack standardized methods for processing and visualizing morphometrics of microsurgical approaches, limiting comparability and reproducibility. Additionally, existing techniques often fall short in anatomical fidelity. 3-dimensional (3D) software offers a unified platform to improve standardization, while integrating photogrammetry (PGM) and structured light scanning (SLS) could enhance anatomical accuracy and enable morphometric analysis in a virtual environment. Methods: A free 3D software (Blender) was extended using Python scripting to facilitate volumetric analysis of microsurgical corridors. A pterional craniotomy and orbitopterional extension were performed in 10 exposures toward transsylvian vascular targets. PGM and SLS models were reconstructed. Volumetric surgical corridors (VSCs) were built using coordinates acquired using stereotactic neuronavigation (SNN), PGM, and SLS, and linear measurements, angles, and volumes were compared assessing precision and accuracy. Additionally, VSCs were built semi-automatically on 3D models and compared to SNN. Results: A Blender add-on (MorphoNeuro) was successfully developed and tested, and the software was released as open source. Both PGM and SLS achieved accuracy comparable to SNN for taking morphometrics, with superior precision, and no constant or proportional bias. Semi-automatic VSC yielded a strong correlation compared to SNN. Conclusions: We release a free add-on that can improve standardization for quantitative analysis in surgical neuroanatomy, fostering collaboration across neuroanatomical laboratories. PGM and SLS produce reconstructions that perform up to neuronavigation standards in taking 2-dimensional and 3D morphometrics of anterolateral approaches, potentially paving the way for clinical implementation of these technologies in future studies.
An Open Source Tool to Conduct 3D Morphometric Analysis of Microneurosurgical Corridors: Technical Note and Anatomical Validation Study using Surface Scanning Techniques
Sinosi, Filippo Andrea;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Background: Neuroanatomical studies currently lack standardized methods for processing and visualizing morphometrics of microsurgical approaches, limiting comparability and reproducibility. Additionally, existing techniques often fall short in anatomical fidelity. 3-dimensional (3D) software offers a unified platform to improve standardization, while integrating photogrammetry (PGM) and structured light scanning (SLS) could enhance anatomical accuracy and enable morphometric analysis in a virtual environment. Methods: A free 3D software (Blender) was extended using Python scripting to facilitate volumetric analysis of microsurgical corridors. A pterional craniotomy and orbitopterional extension were performed in 10 exposures toward transsylvian vascular targets. PGM and SLS models were reconstructed. Volumetric surgical corridors (VSCs) were built using coordinates acquired using stereotactic neuronavigation (SNN), PGM, and SLS, and linear measurements, angles, and volumes were compared assessing precision and accuracy. Additionally, VSCs were built semi-automatically on 3D models and compared to SNN. Results: A Blender add-on (MorphoNeuro) was successfully developed and tested, and the software was released as open source. Both PGM and SLS achieved accuracy comparable to SNN for taking morphometrics, with superior precision, and no constant or proportional bias. Semi-automatic VSC yielded a strong correlation compared to SNN. Conclusions: We release a free add-on that can improve standardization for quantitative analysis in surgical neuroanatomy, fostering collaboration across neuroanatomical laboratories. PGM and SLS produce reconstructions that perform up to neuronavigation standards in taking 2-dimensional and 3D morphometrics of anterolateral approaches, potentially paving the way for clinical implementation of these technologies in future studies.
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