In this paper an improved method for three-dimensional (3D) surface reconstruction from cross-sectional slices is presented, combiningcurved patch and solid modelling with traditional triangulation and a local feature matching process. This method improves the triangularsurface modelling technique [Ann. Biomed. Engng, 21 (1993) 715] by incorporating a curve matching process into the triangulation systemfor producing the vertical contours for the object. Solid models of the 3D objects are then created from the contour mesh. Experimentalresults have demonstrated the usefulness of our modelling system in producing more accurate and detailed surfaces than the traditionaltriangulation, visualising 3D geometrical properties with fine resolution, and allowing more accurate and convenient 3D measurements.