Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Equine Palmar Metacarpal Region Using E12 Plastinated Sections

TL;DR

This paper creates a detailed 3D model of a horse's metacarpal region using plastination and digital tools to improve anatomy education and clinical practice.

Contribution

A novel 3D anatomical model of the equine palmar metacarpal region is created using E12 plastination and Amira® software.

Findings

The 3D model accurately represents bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and vessels with minimal deformation.

The model allows interactive rotation and selective visualization of structures for better spatial understanding.

The plastination-digital method ensures high anatomical accuracy and is useful for education and research.

Abstract

Understanding the topographic locations and relationships of anatomical structures is essential for anatomy education. Technology-supported visual resources provide valuable references for both students and clinicians. This study represents a valuable contribution, as the equine metacarpal region was modeled using plastinated sections and Amira® V5.6 software, providing a detailed three-dimensional anatomical reference. The 3D model clearly illustrates the positions and connections of bones, tendons, ligaments, vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Users can rotate and examine the model from different angles, which enhances understanding of the spatial relationships among structures. By combining plastinated sections with digital tools, this study provides a reliable and practical reference for anatomy education, clinical practice, and research on equine musculoskeletal anatomy.

Digital technologies have improved the visualization of anatomical structures for veterinary education and clinical practice. In this study, a detailed three-dimensional anatomical model of the equine palmar metacarpal region was generated using E12-based epoxy sheet plastination combined with digital reconstruction in Amira® V5.6 software. Serial cross-sections of the metacarpal region provided high-resolution visualization of bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, vessels, fasciae, and synovial structures, with minimal shrinkage or deformation, ensuring improved anatomical accuracy. These sections were digitized, aligned, and manually segmented to accurately delineate anatomical boundaries, particularly in areas of low contrast. The resulting three-dimensional model represents the topographical relationships of key structures, including palmar nerves and vessels, the palmar fascia with the metacarpal flexor retinaculum (MFR), and the common synovial sheath (Vag. synovialis communis mm. flexorum, CSS). The model allows rotation and selective visualization of individual structures, facilitating examination from multiple perspectives. This combined plastination–digital approach provides an accurate anatomical reference with value for veterinary anatomy education, clinical training, surgical planning, and research on equine musculoskeletal disorders.

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