A rule-based method to automatically locate lumbar vertebral bodies on MRI images.

Journal: Computers in biology and medicine
Published Date:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Segmentation is a critical process in medical image interpretation. It is also essential for preparing training datasets for machine learning (ML)-based solutions. Despite technological advancements, achieving fully automatic segmentation is still challenging. User interaction is required to initiate the process, either by defining points or regions of interest, or by verifying and refining the output. One of the complex structures that requires semi-automatic segmentation procedures or manually defined training datasets is the lumbar spine. Automating the placement of a point within each lumbar vertebral body could significantly reduce user interaction in these procedures.

Authors

  • Pau Xiberta
    Graphics and Imaging Laboratory (GILAB), University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain. Electronic address: pau.xiberta@udg.edu.
  • Màrius Vila
    Graphics and Imaging Laboratory, Universitat de Girona, Girona, 17003, Catalonia.
  • Marc Ruiz
    Optical Communications Group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
  • Adrià Julià I Juanola
    Graphics and Imaging Laboratory, Universitat de Girona, Girona, 17003, Catalonia.
  • Josep Puig
    Research Unit of Diagnostic Imaging Institute (IDI), Department of Radiology (Girona Biomedical Research Institute) IDIBGI, Hospital Universitari Dr. Josep Trueta, 17007 Girona, Spain.
  • Joan C Vilanova
    Girona Magnetic Resonance Center, Spain.
  • Imma Boada
    Graphics and Imaging Laboratory, Universitat de Girona, Girona, 17003, Catalonia.