Introducing 3-dimensional stereoscopic imaging to the study of musculoskeletal anatomy.

The stereoscopic imaging technique is an option for a more realistic understanding of what we normally see in 2 dimensions on paper or on a screen. To produce a 3-dimensional image of an object, it is necessary to register 2 different images of the same object at the same distance and height with the use of cameras that focus on one particular point. A convergence between the left and right images is required for human vision. The distance between the camera and the images necessary to create the stereo pair should be proportional to the normal distance between the pupils. Stereoscopic or polarization techniques are used to create the images, and special glasses are required to view them. In medicine, 3-dimensional images are an extremely effective resource in the study and teaching of anatomy at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. With advancements in technology and the emergence of new diagnostic imaging techniques and innovative therapeutic modalities, 3-dimensional images can be an excellent educational tool.