Monitoring muscle growth and tissue changes induced by electrical stimulation of denervated degenerated muscles with CT and stereolithographic 3D modeling.

In the frame of the EU-funded RISE project, patients with lower motor neuron lesion and denervated and degenerated muscles are treated with electrical stimulation, with the aim of restoring muscle mass and force. Spiral computer tomography from the hip joint down to the knee joint is used to gather three-dimensional data on the upper leg tissue. These data are analyzed in order to monitor tissue changes induced by the electrical stimulation treatment. Especially the data representing muscle tissue and bone tissue were isolated for measurement purposes. Computer models and models made with rapid prototyping methods were used to display and demonstrate changes in muscle shape and size, as well as position relative to bone. Results showed that time and spatial dependencies of muscle growth can be monitored and studied quantitatively and qualitatively with the aid of a three-dimensional data set displayed on the computer screen or in the form of plastic models. These first results indicate muscle growth and an increase in bone density.