Abstract
Interpretational difficulties experienced with currently used diagnostic radiation techniques can be reduced via the use of 3-D images constructed from conventional CT data. Each 1.5 mm CT section yields interpolated sections (6 or 8) containing cubile voxels. Structures to be imaged separately are masked in the interpolated sections prior to windowing for the appropriate tissue. A special algorithm detects the surface boundary of the selected structure. The surface pixels are assigned gray levels based on their distance and attitude from the observer. When displayed, this produces a simulated 3-D image. The image can be rotated and sectioned. Rotations permit otherwise hidden surfaces to be examined. Images of two temporomandibular joints are presented, a) bony components; b) bony components + meniscus. It is concluded that the 3-D imaging process is potentially useful in diagnosing TMJ pathology.