Accurate three-dimensional (3D) image segmentation techniques have become increasingly important for medical image analysis in general, and for spinal vertebrae image analysis in particular. The complexity of vertebrae shapes, gaps in the cortical bone and internal boundaries pose significant challenge for image analysis. In this paper, we describe a level set image segmentation framework that ...

Abstract Numerous studies are based on the use of animal models; however, in bipedal and tetrapedal organisms there significant differences biomechanics spinal column, which can significantly impair quality applicability results obtained. The aim this study is to obtain basic data morphometric parameters guinea pig lumbar vertebrae, analysis will indicate location biggest mechanical load. verte...

Objective: In this paper, finite element model of the L4 vertebra subjected to combination of compression and flexion loading in isotropic and anisotropic cases is investigated. Methods: In both cases, the vertebra is considered homogeneous. Also, the body of vertebra is divided to cancellous and cortical sections in anisotropic model, but the process is assumed isotropic such as isotropic mode...

background studies show that a large proportion of healthcare offered may be inappropriate or unnecessary. magnetic resonance imaging (mri) is a new and expensive diagnostic technology which has been increasingly used all over the world. moreover, this trend has been more rapidly increasing in iran. low back pain is a common disorder all over the world and mri technique is one of the several wa...

background: the present study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dynamic interspinous spacer (coflex®) and static spacer (x-stop ®) compared to laminectomy (lami) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.   methods: a decision-analysis model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness. the effectiveness parameters were obtained from a systematic literature review in relevant databas...

OBJECTIVE To assess radiologically the caudal vertebrae of a male alpaca with an abnormal tail, and nine of his offspring. PROCEDURE Right lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were taken of the caudal vertebrae. RESULTS The caudal vertebral abnormalities in these alpacas included vertebral subluxation, hemivertebrae, wedge hemivertebrae and block vertebrae. CONCLUSION These malformations ...

We present an approach to the detection of anatomical landmarks in CT data sets. Our first application is detection of vertebrae and landmarks on vertebrae in 2D slices. The core technique is a feature driven matching of a graph created from one or more vertebrae with unseen data. This is based on an approach that has been successfully applied to face recognition in the past. Keywords— Anatomic...

A sandwich vertebra is formed after multiple osteoporotic vertebral fractures treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty, which has a risk of developing new fractures. The purpose of our study was to (i) investigate the occurrence of new fractures in sandwich vertebra after cement augmentation procedures and to (ii) evaluate the clinical outcomes after prophylactic vertebral reinforcement applied w...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pedicle involvement on MR imaging has been considered specific for malignancy. However, we also noted the findings in many patients with osteoporosis and hypothesized that it is not specific for malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pedicle involvement in painful osteoporotic compression fractures and to determine whether the sign is s...