title: Automated segmentation method for spinal column based on a dual elliptic column model and its application for virtual spinal straightening.
abstract: Segmentation of vertebral bones in computed tomographic data is important as a first stage of image-based radiological tasks. However, it is a challenging problem to segment an affected spine correctly. In this study, we propose a new method of segmentation of thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies from thin-slice computed tomographic images. Especially, we focus on a deformable model-based segmentation scheme to confirm the feasibility in clinical data sets with various bone diseases, such as bone metastases and scoliosis. As an application of this algorithm, virtual straightening of the thoracolumbar spine is also performed. Results on a database of 16 patients indicate the applicability of our method to spines affected by scoliosis and multiple bone metastases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. hanaoka-tky@umin.ac.jp
authors.forename: Shouhei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hanaoka
authors.forename: Yukihiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nomura
authors.forename: Mitsutaka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nemoto
authors.forename: Yoshitaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Masutani
authors.forename: Eriko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maeda
authors.forename: Takeharu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yoshikawa
authors.forename: Naoto
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yoshioka
authors.forename: Kuni
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohtomo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult