Adaptive soft-threshold three-dimensional CT imaging

Adaptive soft threshold imaging was developed to combine the vest aspects of surface contour and volumetric imaging. With this technique, volumetric imaging was limited to a range of CT densities, a soft threshold, corresponding to the bone-soft tissue boundary. The range was adaptive, shifting up or down in density, to track fractures or thin bone. Data from five spinal fracture patients were processed by using surface contour, volumetric, and adaptive soft threshold techniques. Although all three three-dimensional methods were useful, the images obtained by the adaptive soft threshold technique were rated highest by the spinal surgeon for displaying small fractures and the facet joints