Affordable Custom Three-Dimensional Anatomy Atlases

In this paper, we present methodology and tools for creating custom three-dimensional anatomical atlases for medical education based on web technologies and open-source software. Traditional medical anatomy education has relied on printed anatomical atlases, in-person lectures, and anatomical dissection. This traditional approach underserves populations in need due to high cost, lack of availability of materials, and a limited of trained educators. Open and free online anatomical atlases developed by an international community of experts help remedy these shortcomings, more fully addressing the sustainable development goals of quality education and good health at a global scale. We have developed a web application, the Atlas Assembly Tool, that assists medical professionals in assembling atlases for open dissemination throughout the world. Our tool aims to complement existing open source medical projects such as 3D Slicer and the Open Anatomy Browser to provide a pipeline from original medical image data to web-browsable atlases suitable for medical education. Our development is an integral part of the European INTER-REG MACbioIDi project, promoting sustainable development through technology-based medical education and training in close collaboration with partners in Europe, Africa and the United States.

I. Introduction

Human anatomy has been the foundation of medical education regardless of nation or specialty for hundreds of years [1], [2]. A medical student's proficiency in anatomy is critical for patient assessment, identification of illness or pathology, and the safe and effective practice in any number of medical specialties from surgery to radiology. A common understanding of anatomy is also essential to allow physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to exchange information about patients in a meaningful way.