The central neck in 3 dimensions: a digital model derived from radiology, peer-reviewed literature, and medical illustration

Abstract

This project aims to create a 3-dimensional (3D) digital model of central neck anatomy, including muscles, neurovasculature, and viscera. The neck was segmented from a CT angiogram of a healthy 29-year-old female, and then transferred into 3D illustration software after removing imaging artifact. To enhance anatomical accuracy, details not captured by imaging or unclear from the study were added and refined with relevant peer-reviewed literature. These structures were later incorporated into the head and neck model. Following segmentation, the 3D models was refined in 3D CAD software. Structures not identified by segmentation were designed by a medical illustrator and all structures were refined from peer-reviewed anatomic literature. Where discrepancies were found in the literature, the size, source, and methodology of the studies were considered to determine the most common variants of each structure. Finally, the 3D model was uploaded to MedReality for online viewing. Technological progress in illustration software, patient specific anatomic modeling, and precise 3D CAD modeling has allowed the most accurate 3D surgical anatomy model to be created when combined with existing literature. The associated 3D model and manuscript will serve as a helpful tool for medical professionals regardless of academic level. To our knowledge, this literature-based model of the central neck combined with 3D anatomic modeling from real patient data is unprecedented and should aid in surgical anatomy education.