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In our previous studies, we have developed a three-dimensional reconstructiona
nd display system for human coxal bone. This system is capable of performing p
reliminary image processing and graphic operations so that the structures of d
iseased area can be clearly observed and manipulated for presurgical evaluatio
n and diagnosis.The bony structures on CT images are usually enhanced by X-ray
, while the soft tissues are blurred. On the contrary, soft tissues can be wel
l illustrated while imaging by MR systems. Thus CT and MRI images are with com
plementary characteristics. In many clinical applications, the combination of
two complementary image modalities provide much more information than can the
conventional method ( single modality ) provide.In this study, fusion of CT an
d MRI images is one of the major tasks. The geometrical relationship between C
T and MRI is determined by some specially selected internal landmarks. Least s
quare error approximation is used to get the transformation matrix. For the vi
sualization of fused data, 2D image display or overlapping techniques as well
as three-dimensional color transparent display technique are used to illuminat
e the correspondence of different structures, such as bones and soft tissues.T
he proposed fusion technique has been applied and gotten appreciation in some
clinical cases, and is undertaking more clinical evaluation currently. The ext
ension of registra-tion techniques to more modalities with better accuracy is
the goal for future research.
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