Trabeculae of the Spongy Bone Meshwork

"My research project proposes the development of a prototype iPad app that will facilitate communication between doctors and patients on the sample condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The app will educate patients on their condition by relating the gross symptoms to the pathology behind the condition, defining the structure and function of the effected anatomy, and describing the mechanisms of action (MOAs) for the various drug therapies involved in the management of RA. The image shows a 3d visualization of the complicated spongy bone meshwork which was developed for the project's content using Maya software. The bone trabeculae will be animated as a dynamic model that undergoes a structural transformation demonstrating the damage caused by the progression of RA. Bone erosion in RA contributes to the severe deformity that is symptomatic of the condition: it leads to laxity of the ligaments and tendons, which may cross and deform the normal anatomy. Using elegant visualization techniques to develop a rich collection of images and animated models, the app may be used to supplement the patient's knowledge of the condition of RA and to communicate appropriate information on drug therapies, which studies show to increase patient compliance with prescribed treatment regiments."