The MAP Client: User-Friendly Musculoskeletal Modelling Workflows

Abstract

Subject-specific models of the musculoskeletal system are capable of accurately estimating function and loads and show promise for clinical use. However, creating subject-specific models is time-consuming and requires high levels of expertise. To address these issues, we have developed the open source Musculoskeletal Atlas Project (MAP) Client software. The MAP Client provides a user-friendly interface for creating musculoskeletal modelling workflows using community-created plug-ins. In this paper, we discuss the design of the MAP Client, its plug-in architecture and its integration with the Physiome Model Repository. We demonstrate the use of MAP Client with a subject-specific femur modelling workflow using a set of modular open source plug-ins for image segmentation, landmark prediction, model registration and customisation. Our long-term goal is to foster a community of MAP users and plug-in developers to accelerate the clinical use of computational models.