Method and system for measuring bone mineral density at different positions of teenager scoliosis patient

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and system for measuring bone mineral density of different positions of a teenager scoliosis patient, and the method comprises the steps: importing a CT image of the patient into 3D-scriber software, generating a preliminary three-dimensional model through a threshold value selection and region cutting function, wiping redundant tissues through region cutting, trimming a vertebral body plane, completing the reconstruction of a scoliosis vertebral body, and completing the reconstruction of the bone mineral density of different positions of the teenager scoliosis patient. On the basis of a scoliosis centrum, repairing the model layer by layer, filling dyeing with defects, and in ANSYS software, performing tetrahedron finite element reconstruction according to reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone mineral density assignment; the finite element scoliosis model is imported into Paraview software, a target layer is selected through a cutting function, and a vertebral body is dyed; and delimiting an interest region on the determined target layer surface, measuring a specific numerical value of the bone mineral density in the interest region, and calculating an average bone mineral density value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients, and in particular to a method and system for measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients. Background Art

[0002] Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex, three-dimensional (3D) spinal deformity with unknown etiology. Scoliosis patients often have osteopenia and osteoporosis. The conventional method for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone density measured by DXA is currently recognized by the international academic community as the "gold standard" for diagnosing osteoporosis. The detection principle of DXA is that there is a difference in the absorption of two different energy X-rays by bones and their surrounding soft tissues. The DXA instrument will emit a beam of low-dose X-rays with two energy peaks to the bones of the arm or trunk on the workbench, one energy peak is mainly absorbed by the soft tissue, and the other is mainly absorbed by the bone. Through this method, the soft tissue part can be quickly subtracted from the total amount of the entire arm or trunk, and the X-ray penetrability of the bone is obtained. Through the software algorithm, the bone density of this part can be obtained.

[0003] DXA can only measure the density of the distal radius, lower lumbar spine, and femur. DXA cannot be used to measure the bone density of the thoracic spine due to rib obstruction or unclear imaging. In patients with scoliosis, clear images of the thoracic spine are particularly difficult to obtain. Some scholars have tried to convert the Hornsfield unit (HU) 50 value of computed tomography (CT) cross-sectional images into BMD values; however, the results vary greatly and are not clinically significant. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a method and system for measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients, aiming to solve the problem that the prior art cannot comprehensively measure bone density and the measurement results vary greatly.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for measuring bone density at different positions in a patient with adolescent scoliosis is provided for non-diagnostic purposes, the method comprising:

[0006] Import the patient's CT image into the 3D-sclier software, use the threshold selection and region cutting functions to generate a preliminary 3D model, and select the spine and other bone structures for preliminary model reconstruction;

[0007] On the basis of the preliminary model, redundant tissues are removed by regional cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed and irrelevant tissues of ribs and upper limbs are removed to complete the reconstruction of scoliotic spinal vertebrae, wherein the redundant tissues include skull, pelvis and ribs;

[0008] Based on the scoliotic vertebra, the model is repaired layer by layer, the defective dyeing is filled, and the redundant dyeing is erased through a third-party tool to complete the vertebral material.

[0009] In ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed based on the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment;

[0010] The finite element scoliosis model was imported into Paraview software, the target layer was selected through the cutting function, and the vertebral body was stained;

[0011] The area of ​​interest is delineated on the determined target plane, the specific value of bone density in the area of ​​interest is measured, and the average bone density value is calculated.

[0012] In the above scheme, optionally, the patient's CT image is imported into 3D-sclier software, a preliminary three-dimensional model is generated using threshold selection and region cutting functions, and the spine body and other bone structures are selected to perform preliminary model reconstruction, including:

[0013] The CT image is used to provide detailed information about the spine;

[0014] The CT images were imported into the 3D-slicer software, and the threshold selection function was used to extract the bone tissue of interest. The threshold selection was a method based on pixel grayscale values, which was used to separate the bone tissue from other soft tissues. A preliminary three-dimensional model was generated based on the threshold selection.

[0015] In the above scheme, optionally, on the basis of the preliminary model, redundant tissue is removed by regional cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed to complete the reconstruction of the scoliotic spinal vertebrae, including:

[0016] Based on the preliminary model, the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine are selected using the region cutting function, and the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine are trimmed. The model is trimmed and cleaned by drawing and erasing tools to complete the reconstruction of the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine.

[0017] The trimming of the vertebral body morphology includes removing tissue irrelevant to the vertebral body, and the irrelevant tissue includes muscle and fat.

[0018] In the above solution, optionally, the using of a region cutting function to select the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine includes:

[0019] The cervical spine and skull were completely erased between C7 and T1. The cervical spine and skull were erased alternately at two angles: sagittal and coronal.

[0020] The pelvis and bilateral hip joints were completely erased in the L5 and S1 spaces; the coronal and sagittal planes were trimmed simultaneously;

[0021] In the coronal plane, the ribs, upper limbs and shoulder joints are removed about 1 cm beside the scoliotic spine to obtain the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine.

[0022] In the above scheme, optionally, after erasing the ribs, upper limbs and shoulder joints about 1 cm beside the scoliotic spine in the coronal position to obtain the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine, the method further comprises:

[0023] Identify the residual ribs and residual rib heads;

[0024] In the case where the residual ribs and the residual rib heads affect plane selection and vertebral segmentation, the residual ribs and the residual rib heads are erased at the sternocostal joints when the vertebral morphology of the scoliotic spine is modified.

[0025] In the above scheme, optionally, in the ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed according to the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment, including:

[0026] The repaired and stained three-dimensional model was imported into ANSYS software. ANSYS is a finite element analysis software used to establish and analyze finite element models of complex structures. In ANSYS, a tetrahedral mesh is used to generate a finite element model. While generating the model, a corresponding bone density value is assigned to each mesh unit.

[0027] In the above solution, optionally, the step of defining an area of ​​interest on the determined target layer, measuring a specific value of bone density in the area of ​​interest, and calculating an average bone density value includes:

[0028] On the determined section, the region of interest is delineated, and the region of interest is drawn on the section using a drawing tool, and is limited to the range of spinal bone tissue. The bone density of the entire region of interest is obtained by calculating the bone density value of each grid cell in the region of interest and taking the average value;

[0029] After measuring the bone density values ​​of each grid cell in the region of interest, the average bone density value of the region of interest is calculated by weighted average.

[0030] In a second aspect, a system for measuring bone density at different positions of a patient with adolescent scoliosis is provided, the system comprising a CT scanner and a data processing computer, wherein the CT scanner is connected to the data processing computer:

[0031] The CT scanner is used to obtain a CT image of a patient and send the CT image of the patient to the data processing computer;

[0032] The data processing computer is used to implement the method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0033] According to a third aspect, a computer device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor implements any one of the methods described in the first aspect when executing the computer program.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0036] Based on further analysis and research on the problems of the prior art, the present application recognizes that the prior art cannot comprehensively measure bone density and has large differences in measurement results. By importing the patient's CT image into the 3D-sclier software, a preliminary three-dimensional model is generated using the threshold selection and region cutting functions. On the basis of the preliminary model, redundant tissue is erased by region cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed to complete the reconstruction of the scoliotic vertebral body. On the basis of the scoliotic vertebral body, the model is repaired layer by layer and the defective staining is filled. In the ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed according to the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment; the finite element scoliosis model is imported into the Paraview software, the target layer is selected by the cutting function, and the vertebra is stained; the area of ​​interest is delineated on the determined target layer plane, the specific value of the bone density in the area of ​​interest is measured, and the average bone density value is calculated, thereby realizing the measurement of bone density at different positions of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

[0037] Compared with the existing technology, the reconstruction and analysis of the specific value of bone density by the three-dimensional finite element model of scoliosis is an accurate and reliable measurement method. First, the three-dimensional finite element simulation does not rely on imaging images, but measures from the bone tissue itself, which reduces the error caused by the imaging process; secondly, this study purposefully selects specific planes to solve the problem of unclear targets when measuring DEXA and CT images; thirdly, the selection of interest areas on specific planes can measure and compare bone density values ​​in a targeted manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of a method for measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 2A schematic flow chart of a method for measuring bone density at different positions of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a three-dimensional finite element model provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0041] In one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, a method for measuring bone density at different positions of a patient with adolescent scoliosis is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0042] Import the patient's CT image into the 3D-sclier software, use the threshold selection and region cutting functions to generate a preliminary 3D model, and select the spine and other bone structures for preliminary model reconstruction;

[0043] On the basis of the preliminary model, redundant tissues are removed by regional cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed to complete the reconstruction of the scoliotic spinal vertebrae, wherein the redundant tissues include the skull, pelvis and ribs;

[0044] Based on the scoliotic vertebra, the model is repaired layer by layer, the defective dyeing is filled, and the redundant dyeing is erased through a third-party tool to complete the vertebral material.

[0045] In ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed based on the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment;

[0046] The finite element scoliosis model was imported into Paraview software, the target layer was selected through the cutting function, and the vertebral body was stained;

[0047] The area of ​​interest is delineated on the determined target plane, the specific value of bone density in the area of ​​interest is measured, and the average bone density value is calculated.

[0048] In this embodiment, the patient's CT image is imported into the 3D-sclier software, a preliminary three-dimensional model is generated using the threshold selection and region cutting functions, and the spine body and other bone structures are selected to perform preliminary model reconstruction, including:

[0049] The CT image is used to provide detailed information about the spine;

[0050] The CT images were imported into the 3D-slicer software, and the threshold selection function was used to extract the bone tissue of interest. The threshold selection was a method based on pixel grayscale values, which was used to separate the bone tissue from other soft tissues. A preliminary three-dimensional model was generated based on the threshold selection.

[0051] In this embodiment, based on the preliminary model, redundant tissue is removed by regional cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed to complete the reconstruction of the scoliotic spinal vertebrae, including:

[0052] Based on the preliminary model, the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine are selected using the region cutting function, and the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine are trimmed. The model is trimmed and cleaned by drawing and erasing tools to complete the reconstruction of the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine.

[0053] The trimming of the vertebral body morphology includes removing tissue irrelevant to the vertebral body, and the irrelevant tissue includes muscle and fat.

[0054] In this embodiment, the use of the region cutting function to select the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine includes:

[0055] The cervical spine and skull were completely erased between C7 and T1. The cervical spine and skull were erased alternately at two angles: sagittal and coronal.

[0056] The pelvis and bilateral hip joints were completely erased in the L5 and S1 spaces; the coronal and sagittal planes were trimmed simultaneously;

[0057] In the coronal plane, the ribs, upper limbs and shoulder joints are removed about 1 cm beside the scoliotic spine to obtain the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine.

[0058] In this embodiment, after the ribs, upper limbs and shoulder joints are removed about 1 cm beside the scoliotic spine in the coronal plane to obtain the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine, the method further comprises:

[0059] Identify the residual ribs and residual rib heads;

[0060] In the case where the residual ribs and the residual rib heads affect plane selection and vertebral segmentation, the residual ribs and the residual rib heads are erased at the sternocostal joints when the vertebral morphology of the scoliotic spine is modified.

[0061] In this embodiment, in the ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed according to the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment, including:

[0062] The repaired and stained three-dimensional model was imported into ANSYS software. ANSYS is a finite element analysis software used to establish and analyze finite element models of complex structures. In ANSYS, a tetrahedral mesh is used to generate a finite element model. While generating the model, a corresponding bone density value is assigned to each mesh unit.

[0063] In this embodiment, the step of defining an area of ​​interest on the determined target layer, measuring the specific value of the bone density in the area of ​​interest, and calculating the average bone density value includes:

[0064] On the determined section, the region of interest is delineated, and the region of interest is drawn on the section using a drawing tool, and is limited to the range of spinal bone tissue. The bone density of the entire region of interest is obtained by calculating the bone density value of each grid cell in the region of interest and taking the average value;

[0065] After measuring the bone density values ​​of each grid cell in the region of interest, the average bone density value of the region of interest is calculated by weighted average.

[0066] In one embodiment, a method for measuring bone density at different positions of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a three-dimensional finite element model is provided. Figure 2 As shown, first, a three-dimensional geometric vertebral model is segmented from the CT data. Then, a three-dimensional finite element vertebral model is created through a preprocessing step, including finite element meshing, bone density mapping from CT Hounsfield unit (HU) values, and the assignment of bone density to each finite element. Subsequently, the three-dimensional finite element vertebral model is two-dimensionally sliced ​​along the pedicle plane to obtain a two-dimensional surface mesh, in which the node density is determined by interpolating the three-dimensional finite element density. Finally, the density of the ROI (Region of interest) on the concave and convex sides of the two-dimensional slice is calculated. The details of the processing are further described as follows:

[0067] Preliminary model reconstruction: First, transfer the patient's CT image (DICOM file) to the 3D-sclier software (opensource, V.4.10.1), read the T-spine1.0 B30f file to see the three-dimensional CT images in the coronal, sagittal and axial positions. Perform preliminary model generation in the segmentation editor. Select and add segments, first select the coloring threshold (threshold) of the three-dimensional image to see each layer of the vertebral body as clearly as possible, and each layer is evenly stained or has only a few unstained areas. In addition, it is best to ensure that there is no adhesion between vertebral bodies due to too low a coloring threshold. Then select the coloring threshold, and the coloring of the model is completed. Then click on the spine body through the coloring area selector (island) to select the largest range of coloring areas (which may include the head, pelvis, upper limbs, ribs, etc., or because the boundaries between high-resolution tissues are very obvious, or the threshold selection is just right, irrelevant tissues can be separated by selecting the coloring area) to select the spine body and other bone structures.

[0068] Scoliotic vertebral reconstruction: After the threshold is selected, there may still be other redundant tissues, such as skull, pelvic ribs, etc. The redundant tissues are erased through the regional cutting function (scissors). In order to accurately reconstruct the scoliotic vertebrae and avoid the influence of redundant tissues on the analysis, we completely erased the cervical vertebrae and skull in the gap between C7 and T1, and erased alternately in the sagittal and coronal planes to ensure the integrity of the T1 vertebrae; similarly, the pelvis and bilateral hip joints are completely erased in the gap between L5 and S1, and trimmed in the coronal and sagittal planes to ensure the integrity of the L5 vertebrae. Finally, the ribs, upper limbs and shoulder joints are erased about 1 cm along the scoliotic spine in the coronal plane. This step will leave a small part of the ribs and rib heads, which can be left untreated if it does not affect the plane selection and vertebral segmentation. Otherwise, the ribs will be erased at the sternocostal joint when trimming the vertebral plane. We reconstructed the three-dimensional model and selected the segments from T1 to L5 for complete reconstruction. After reconstruction, the entire spine was cut in segments in parallel to the endplates on the plane of the intervertebral disc, and all 17 vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar spine were divided one by one to facilitate finite element model analysis.

[0069] Vertebral material completion: At this point, the second model has been roughly trimmed and the vertebral repair can be started layer by layer. Slice intersection is used for three-plane positioning, that is, after selecting a position point in a certain plane, the other two planes also display the point in this plane, which is used for multi-plane positioning of the same position. Then, the model is repaired layer by layer from the sagittal midline plane and the lowest point plane of L5 in the horizontal plane. If the L5 cross section is displayed in the horizontal plane and there is a staining defect, the blank space is colored with a 3-5mm circle through an independent dye (paint). At this time, the filled color is the same as the threshold (threshold) selected initially; if there is excess staining, such as the staining range around the vertebra is too large, or the intervertebral space is significantly adhered due to the low threshold selection, and the vertebra cannot be identified, the "eraser" is used to strictly and accurately erase the excess vertebra around the anatomical contour of the vertebra. Otherwise, the density value assigned to the vertebra will be affected due to abnormal staining, which will affect the final result. This process is repeated for all 17 thoracic and lumbar vertebrae to ensure that all vertebrae are completely stained without any excess or missed staining. The reconstruction of a scoliosis 3D model is completed. After the model is reconstructed, the entire file including the scoliosis model vtk file and CT image file is exported for the next step of finite element analysis.

[0070] Finite element model establishment: According to the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometry data (vtk file), the three-dimensional finite element model of scoliosis is reconstructed by tetrahedral finite element in ANSYS (15.0) software for dividing the finite element mesh. Only after the mesh is discretized and finite element units are generated one by one, the bone density can be assigned to each finite element, and the final image is a density distribution map. According to the CT grayscale value of each patient, the corresponding bone density value of the patient is reflected and the bone density is assigned to each finite element unit in Bonemat (open sourve, V3.2) software to generate a complete three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model (vtk file) with bone density assignment. At this point, we have obtained a three-dimensional finite element model with bone density assignment for all scoliosis patients.

[0071] Selection of bone density measurement section: Import the finite element model into Paraview software (open source, V5.70-RC2) to cut the target layer. In Paraview software, you can already see that the vertebrae are stained differently according to different densities. Select the vertebrae, cut the vertebrae through the slice function, and select the plane where we want to measure the bone density. After cutting, the cross section of the vertebrae can be seen. At this time, it is necessary to further stain according to the density so that the color value can be better read in the next operation. Edit the color threshold of Pointdens, select the minimum value of the color threshold as 0, the maximum value as 255, and the middle value as 125. At this time, a three-dimensional model of target layer staining is generated. After saving the file in vtk format, transfer it to METLAB software (Mathworks, V 2017a) for final analysis.

[0072] Selection of region of interest: The determined plane is cut to draw the region of interest (ROI) and measure the specific value of bone density in the ROI. First, draw a straight line of any length next to the plane to determine the scale, and then draw two elliptical ROIs on the left and right sides with the midline of the vertebra as the boundary, one end facing the pedicle and the other end facing the front of the vertebra. The size and area of ​​the ellipse are determined by the length of the scale, and the gray value of the color difference in the ellipse is extracted and converted into a bone density value. Finally, the bone density value in the area is divided by the area of ​​the ellipse to finally obtain the average bone density value (g / cm2) in the ROI. We measured the bone density value of the whole spine, the bone density value of the apical vertebra, the bone density value between the upper and lower end vertebrae (U / L-EV), the bone density value of the spine above the end vertebrae, and the bone density value of the spine below the end vertebrae.

[0073] In this embodiment, first, the 3D finite element method for measuring BMD in adolescent scoliosis does not rely on imaging results, and the measurement from bone tissue reduces the error caused by the imaging process. Second, in this study, we purposefully selected specific planes to overcome the limitations of unclear targets in DXA and CT image measurements. Third, in 3D finite element simulation, ROIs within specific planes can be selected, so that BMD values ​​can be measured and compared.

[0074] Compared with the existing technology, the reconstruction and analysis of the specific value of bone density by the three-dimensional finite element model of scoliosis is an accurate and reliable measurement method. First, the three-dimensional finite element simulation does not rely on imaging images, but measures from the bone tissue itself, which reduces the error caused by the imaging process; secondly, this study purposefully selects specific planes to solve the problem of unclear targets when measuring DEXA and CT images; thirdly, the selection of interest areas on specific planes can measure and compare bone density values ​​in a targeted manner.

[0075] In one embodiment, a system for measuring bone density at different positions of a patient with adolescent scoliosis is provided, comprising the following program modules:

[0076] Model reconstruction module: used to import the patient's CT image into the 3D-sclier software, use the threshold selection and region cutting functions to generate a preliminary three-dimensional model, and select the spine and other bone structures for preliminary model reconstruction;

[0077] Scoliosis spinal vertebra reconstruction module: used to erase excess tissues through regional cutting on the basis of the preliminary model, and to trim the vertebral plane and erase irrelevant tissues of ribs and upper limbs to complete the reconstruction of scoliosis spinal vertebrae, wherein the excess tissues include skull, pelvis and ribs;

[0078] Vertebral material completion module: used to repair the model layer by layer based on the scoliotic vertebra, fill in the defective dyeing, and erase the excess dyeing through third-party tools to complete the vertebral material;

[0079] Finite element model building module: used to perform tetrahedral finite element reconstruction based on the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometry data in ANSYS software to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment;

[0080] Bone density measurement section selection module: used to import the finite element scoliosis model into Paraview software, select the target layer through the cutting function, and dye the vertebral body;

[0081] Region of interest selection module: used to define the region of interest on a determined target plane, measure the specific value of bone density in the region of interest, and calculate the average bone density value.

[0082] In this embodiment, the patient's CT image is imported into the 3D-sclier software, a preliminary three-dimensional model is generated using the threshold selection and region cutting functions, and the spine body and other bone structures are selected to perform preliminary model reconstruction, including:

[0083] The CT image is used to provide detailed information about the spine;

[0084] The CT images were imported into the 3D-slicer software, and the threshold selection function was used to extract the bone tissue of interest. The threshold selection was a method based on pixel grayscale values, which was used to separate the bone tissue from other soft tissues. A preliminary three-dimensional model was generated based on the threshold selection.

[0085] In this embodiment, based on the preliminary model, redundant tissue is removed by regional cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed and irrelevant tissues of the ribs and upper limbs are removed to complete the reconstruction of the scoliotic spinal vertebrae, including:

[0086] On the basis of the preliminary model, a further regional cutting function is used to select the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine and to trim the vertebral morphology, including removing tissues irrelevant to the vertebrae, such as muscle and fat. The model is trimmed and cleaned by drawing and erasing tools.

[0087] In this embodiment, in the ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed according to the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment, including:

[0088] The repaired and stained three-dimensional model was imported into ANSYS software. ANSYS is a finite element analysis software used to establish and analyze finite element models of complex structures. In ANSYS, a tetrahedral mesh is used to generate a finite element model. While generating the model, a corresponding bone density value is assigned to each mesh unit.

[0089] In this embodiment, the step of defining an area of ​​interest on the determined target layer, measuring the specific value of the bone density in the area of ​​interest, and calculating the average bone density value includes:

[0090] On the determined section, the region of interest is delineated, and the region of interest is drawn on the section using a drawing tool, and is limited to the range of spinal bone tissue. The bone density of the entire region of interest is obtained by calculating the bone density value of each grid cell in the region of interest and taking the average value;

[0091] After measuring the bone density values ​​of each grid cell in the region of interest, the average bone density value of the region of interest is calculated by weighted average.

[0092] In one embodiment, a system for measuring bone density at different positions of a patient with adolescent scoliosis is provided, comprising a CT scanner and a data processing computer, wherein the CT scanner is connected to the data processing computer:

[0093] The CT scanner is used to obtain a CT image of a patient and send the CT image of the patient to the data processing computer;

[0094] The data processing computer is used to implement the above-mentioned method for measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients.

[0095] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a server. The computer device includes a processor, a memory, and a network interface connected via a system bus. The processor of the computer device is used to provide computing and control capabilities, and the network interface is used to communicate with an external terminal via a network connection. The computer device loads and runs a computer program to implement the above-mentioned method for measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients.

[0096] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal. The computer device includes a processor, a memory, a communication interface, a display screen, and an input device connected via a system bus. The processor of the computer device is used to provide computing and control capabilities, and the communication interface is used to communicate with an external terminal in a wired or wireless manner, and the wireless manner may be implemented through WIFI, an operator network, NFC (near field communication) or other technologies. The computer device implements the above-mentioned method of measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients by loading and running a computer program. The display screen of the computer device may be a liquid crystal display screen or an electronic ink display screen, and the input device of the computer device may be a touch layer covering the display screen, or a button, trackball or touchpad provided on the housing of the computer device, or an external keyboard, touchpad or mouse, etc.

[0097] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A method for measuring bone density at different positions in adolescent scoliosis patients, for non-diagnostic purposes, characterized in that: The method comprises: Import the patient's CT image into the 3D-sclier software, use the threshold selection and region cutting functions to generate a preliminary 3D model, and select the spine and other bone structures for preliminary model reconstruction; On the basis of the preliminary model, redundant tissues are removed by regional cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed to complete the reconstruction of the scoliotic spinal vertebrae, wherein the redundant tissues include the skull, pelvis and ribs; Based on the scoliotic vertebra, the model is repaired layer by layer, the defective dyeing is filled, and the redundant dyeing is erased through a third-party tool to complete the vertebral material. In ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed based on the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment; The finite element scoliosis model was imported into Paraview software, the target layer was selected through the cutting function, and the vertebral body was stained; The area of ​​interest is delineated on the determined target plane, the specific value of bone density in the area of ​​interest is measured, and the average bone density value is calculated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The patient's CT image is imported into the 3D-sclier software, a preliminary three-dimensional model is generated using the threshold selection and region cutting functions, and the spine body and other bone structures are selected for preliminary model reconstruction, including: The CT image is used to provide detailed information about the spine; The CT images were imported into the 3D-slicer software, and the threshold selection function was used to extract the bone tissue of interest. The threshold selection was a method based on pixel grayscale values, which was used to separate the bone tissue from other soft tissues. A preliminary three-dimensional model was generated based on the threshold selection.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the preliminary model, redundant tissue is removed by regional cutting, and the vertebral plane is trimmed to complete the reconstruction of the scoliotic spine vertebrae, including: Based on the preliminary model, the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine are selected using the region cutting function, and the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine are trimmed. The model is trimmed and cleaned by drawing and erasing tools to complete the reconstruction of the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine. The trimming of the vertebral body morphology includes removing tissue irrelevant to the vertebral body, and the irrelevant tissue includes muscle and fat.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method of using the region cutting function to select the vertebrae of the scoliotic spine includes: The cervical spine and skull were completely erased between C7 and T1. The cervical spine and skull were erased alternately at two angles: sagittal and coronal. The pelvis and bilateral hip joints were completely erased in the L5 and S1 spaces; the coronal and sagittal planes were trimmed simultaneously; In the coronal plane, the ribs, upper limbs and shoulder joints are removed about 1 cm beside the scoliotic spine to obtain the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that After the ribs, upper limbs and shoulder joints are removed about 1 cm along the scoliotic spine in the coronal position to obtain the vertebral bodies of the scoliotic spine, the method further comprises: Identify the residual ribs and residual rib heads; In the case where the residual ribs and the residual rib heads affect plane selection and vertebral segmentation, the residual ribs and the residual rib heads are erased at the sternocostal joints when the vertebral morphology of the scoliotic spine is modified.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In the ANSYS software, tetrahedral finite element reconstruction is performed according to the reconstructed three-dimensional model geometric data to generate a three-dimensional finite element scoliosis model with bone density assignment, including: The repaired and stained three-dimensional model was imported into ANSYS software. ANSYS is a finite element analysis software used to establish and analyze finite element models of complex structures. In ANSYS, a tetrahedral mesh is used to generate a finite element model. While generating the model, a corresponding bone density value is assigned to each mesh unit.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of defining an area of ​​interest on the determined target layer, measuring the specific value of bone density in the area of ​​interest, and calculating the average bone density value includes: On the determined section, the region of interest is delineated, and the region of interest is drawn on the section using a drawing tool, and is limited to the range of spinal bone tissue. The bone density of the entire region of interest is obtained by calculating the bone density value of each grid cell in the region of interest and taking the average value; After measuring the bone density values ​​of each grid cell in the region of interest, the average bone density value of the region of interest is calculated by weighted average.

8. A system for measuring bone density at different positions of adolescent scoliosis patients, characterized in that: The system comprises a CT scanner and a data processing computer, wherein the CT scanner is connected to the data processing computer: The CT scanner is used to obtain a CT image of a patient and send the CT image of the patient to the data processing computer; The data processing computer is used to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, wherein: When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

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