Surface rendering versus volume rendering in medical imaging: Techniques and applications

High resolution imaging modalities, combined with advances in computer technology which led to significant progress in volumetric reconstruction of medical images are presented. Clinical assessment of this technique and the enhanced diagnostic interpretation was investigated by various medical and scientific groups. The panel evaluated the clinical utility of two major three dimensional rendering techniques that allowed user to `fly through' and around medical data sets. Results showed two techniques, the advancement in the method of interpreting data sets by generating a set of polygons that represent the anatomical surface, and displaying a three dimensional model representation.