==== 2D imaging ====

**2D imaging** refers to diagnostic imaging techniques that produce two-dimensional representations of anatomical structures, typically in a single plane (axial, coronal, or sagittal). Common examples include standard [[CT scans]], [[X-rays]], and [[MRI]] slices.

In [[neurosurgery]], 2D imaging has traditionally been used for diagnosis and [[preoperative planning]]. However, it requires the surgeon to mentally reconstruct complex [[3D anatomical relationships]], which can limit spatial understanding in intricate cases such as [[brain tumors]] or [[vascular lesions]].

The emergence of [[3D imaging]], including [[3D virtual reality]] and [[3D printing]], aims to overcome the limitations of 2D imaging by providing more intuitive and immersive anatomical visualization.