Three-dimensional reconstruction and fusion for multi-modality spinal images

Medical diagnosis can benefit from the complementary information in different modality images. Multi-modal image registration and fusion is an essential task in numerous three-dimensional (3D) medical image-processing applications. Registered images are not only providing more correlative information to aid in diagnosis, but also assisting with the planning and monitoring of both surgery and radiotherapy. This research is directed at registering different images captured from Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging devices, respectively, to acquire more thorough information for disease diagnosis. Because MR bone model segmentation is difficult, this research used a 3D model obtained from CT images. This model accomplishes image registration by optimizing the gradient information accumulated around the bony boundary areas with respect to the 3D model. This system involves pre-processing, 2D segmentation, 3D registration, fusion and sub-system rendering. This method provides desired image operation, robustness verification, and multi-modality spinal image registration accuracy. The proposed system is useful in observing the foramen and nerve root. Because the registration can be performed without external markers, a better choice for clinical usage is provided for lumbar spine diagnosis. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.