Automated Fractured Bone Segmentation and Labeling from CT Images

Abstract

Within the scope of education and training, automatic and accurate segmentation of fractured bones from Computed Tomographic (CT) images is the fundamental step in several different applications, such as trauma analysis, visualization, diagnosis, surgical planning and simulation. It helps physicians analyze the severity of injury by taking into account the following fracture features, such as location of the fracture, number of pieces and deviation from the original location. Besides, it helps provide accurate 3D visualization and decide optimal recovery plans/processes. To accurately segment fracture bones from CT images, in the paper, we introduce a segmentation technique that makes labeling process easier. Based on the patient-specific anatomy, unique labels are assigned. Unlike conventional techniques, it also includes the removal of unwanted artifacts, such as flesh. In our experiments, we have demonstrated our concept with real-world data (with an accuracy of 95.45%) and have compared with state-of-the-art techniques. For validation, our tests followed expert-based decisions i.e., clinical ground-truth. With the results, our collection of 8000 CT images will be available upon the request.

Keywords: CT images; Connected component; Contrast stretching; Fractured bones; Hierarchical structured labeling; Histogram modeling; Segmentation.