Automatic detection System for Degenerative Disk and simulation for artificial disc replacement surgery in the spine

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging Analysis
• Computational Anatomy

Background:

• Degenerative disc disease is a common spinal condition requiring effective diagnostic and treatment planning tools.
• Current methods for assessing disc degeneration and planning replacement surgery can be labor-intensive and may lack precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated system for detecting degenerative discs in the lumbar spine.
• To simulate artificial disc replacement surgery for precise planning and component sizing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) visualization and image segmentation techniques (adaptive thresholding, region growing).
• Employed K-means clustering for vertebral segmentation and intervertebral space analysis for automated degenerative disc detection.
• Simulated artificial disc implantation with precise dimensioning and placement identification.

Main Results:

• Successfully detected degenerative discs in the lumbar region of 3D computed tomography (CT) images.
• The system accurately identified the location and dimensions for artificial disc implantation.
• Experimental results confirmed the system's efficacy in both detection and surgical simulation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed automated system is effective for detecting degenerative disc disease.
• The simulation capability aids in planning artificial disc replacement surgery with high accuracy.
• This technology shows promise for improving spinal surgery planning and outcomes.