Abstract: A method for characterizing a bone joint of a patient, the method executed at least in part by a computer, accesses 3-D volume image content that includes the bone joint and automatically segments the bone joint volume image content from background content to define at least a first bone surface and a second bone surface that is spaced apart from and faces the first bone surface. One or more distances between at least a first point on the first bone surface and one or more points on the second bone surfaces are computed. The method displays at least the first and second bone surfaces, wherein the display appearance is conditioned by the one or more computed distances. The method displays, stores, or transmits data relating to the one or more computed distances.