TY - JOUR
T1 - A mathematical model of human semicircular canal geometry
T2 - a new basis for interpreting vestibular physiology
AU - Bradshaw, Andrew P.
AU - Curthoys, Ian S.
AU - Todd, Michael J.
AU - Magnussen, John S.
AU - Taubman, David S.
AU - Aw, Swee T.
AU - Halmagyi, G. Michael
PY - 2010/6
Y1 - 2010/6
N2 - We report a precise, simple, and accessible method of mathematically measuring and modeling the threedimensional (3D) geometry of semicircular canals (SCCs) in living humans. Knowledge of this geometry helps understand the development and physiology of SCC stimulation. We developed a framework of robust techniques that automatically and accurately reconstruct SCCgeometry fromcomputed tomography (CT) images and are directly validated using micro-CT as ground truth. This frameworkmeasures the 3D centroid paths of the bony SCCs allowing direct comparison and analysis between ears within and between subjects. An average set of SCC morphology is calculated from 34 human ears, within which other geometrical attributes such as nonplanarity, radius of curvature, and inter-SCC angle are examined, with a focus on physiological implications. These measurements have also been used to critically evaluate plane fitting techniques that reconcile many of the discrepancies in current SCC plane studies. Finally, we mathematically model SCC geometry using Fourier series equations. This work has the potential to reinterpret physiology and pathophysiology in terms of real individual 3D morphology.
AB - We report a precise, simple, and accessible method of mathematically measuring and modeling the threedimensional (3D) geometry of semicircular canals (SCCs) in living humans. Knowledge of this geometry helps understand the development and physiology of SCC stimulation. We developed a framework of robust techniques that automatically and accurately reconstruct SCCgeometry fromcomputed tomography (CT) images and are directly validated using micro-CT as ground truth. This frameworkmeasures the 3D centroid paths of the bony SCCs allowing direct comparison and analysis between ears within and between subjects. An average set of SCC morphology is calculated from 34 human ears, within which other geometrical attributes such as nonplanarity, radius of curvature, and inter-SCC angle are examined, with a focus on physiological implications. These measurements have also been used to critically evaluate plane fitting techniques that reconcile many of the discrepancies in current SCC plane studies. Finally, we mathematically model SCC geometry using Fourier series equations. This work has the potential to reinterpret physiology and pathophysiology in terms of real individual 3D morphology.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77954761131&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10162-009-0195-6
DO - 10.1007/s10162-009-0195-6
M3 - Article
C2 - 19949828
AN - SCOPUS:77954761131
SN - 1525-3961
VL - 11
SP - 145
EP - 159
JO - JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology
JF - JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology
IS - 2
ER -