Computer recognition of the human spinal outline using radiographic image processing

摘要

This paper deals with the determination of the outline of the spinal column on a P-A X-ray projection using methods of computerized image processing. The work is part of a larger project the goal of which is to model and quantify the three dimensional geometrical characteristics of normal and pathological spinal columns as well as to theoretically analyze the mechanics of the diseased spine. The data obtained by computer processing of both the P-A and lateral views would serve as input to the model. In order to delineate the edges of the spine, a technique of guided edge detection is incorporated into a successive approximation method. The plan for the guided edge detection is initially obtained using vertical signatures, while subsequent plans are found by fitting polynomials to the detected edges. Results are presented to demonstrate the ability of the algorithm to determine the desired spinal outlines.