The biometric ratios on the tarsus of the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) based on 3D reconstructed images

This study was undertaken to perform a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the tarsal bones of chinchillas using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images and reveal biometric ratio of the bones and compare between sexes. For this purpose, a total of 12 adult chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) of both sexes (six males and six females) were used. After anesthetizing the animals, MDCT images were obtained in DICOM format, and 3D reconstruction was performed on a computer using the Mimics 13.1 program. The volumes and surface areas of each of the bones that constitute the tarsus of the chinchilla were automatically measured by the program based on the 3D model. After all values of each tarsal bone were expressed as ratios with in tarsus, they were analyzed statistically to reveal differences between sexes. The results showed that there were statistical differences (P<0.05) in calcaneus, talus, central tarsal bone and tarsal bone IV in term of volume ratio and in central tarsal bone, tarsal bone I and tarsal bone IV in term of surface area ratio between sexes. It is considered that 3D tarsus models are useful in revealing anatomic structures and also in assisting clinical diagnosis and treatment.