A Study on Vertebral Bone Strength by Micro-CT-Like Image

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
In this study, we use conditional generation adversarial network to enhance the resolution of MSCT images and obtain micro-CT-like images. Based on this, we measure the bone structure indexes of micro-CT-like images and analyzed the correlation between bone structure and bio-mechanical indexes.

Detailed Description
-----------------
In this study, we expect to collect 10 sets of vertebrae (between T6 and L5) from 10 formalin-fixed human cadavers. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the local Institutional Review Boards.The collected specimens subject to normalized Micro-CT and MSCT image scanning, image reconstruction using standard algorithms, and bone structure observation using bone algorithms to obtain high-quality, standardized axial images. We will use a conditional generation adversarial network-based image mapping technique to train the mapping model between MSCT images and Micro-CT images, find the correspondence between the image information contained in each of MSCT and Micro-CT, and finally obtain high-resolution micro-CT-like images. After obtaining the Micro-CT-like images of the samples, we will segment and annotate the images (including different structures such as vertebral body, bone cortex) and train the Teacher-Student & U-Net++ deep learning architecture to achieve accurate segmentation of vertebral body regions, and obtain cancellous bone regions of interest. Based on this, we will analyze the bone structure characteristics of each spatial region in the images, including the thickness, spacing, orientation and distribution pattern of bone trabeculae and other indicators. Ultimately, we will cut a standardized cubic sample from the vertebral cancellous bone , obtain the bio-mechanical performance index of this cancellous bone sample by mechanical experiments, and analyze the correlation between bone structure of Micro-CT-like images and bio-mechanical index.

Official Title
-----------------
A Study on Vertebral Bone Strength by Micro-CT-Like Image: An Approach Based on Conditional Generative Adversarial Nets

Conditions
-----------------
Osteoporosis

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Diagnostic Test: Radiological scanning
* Other: Deep learning
* Procedure: Bio-mechanical testing


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: We will collect human formalin-fixed vertebral specimens provided by the Department of Anatomy, Peking University School of Medicine. The expected number of enrolled specimens is approximately 100 vertebrae (between T6 and L5) . Exclusion Criteria: The vertebrae with significant compression fractures, bone neoplasms, or other causes of significant bone destruction.
Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| MSCT image<br>Scanning of the vertebral body using MSCT | Diagnostic Test: Radiological scanning<br>* The collected specimens subject to normalized Micro-CT and MSCT image acquisition, image reconstruction using standard algorithms, and bone structure observation using bone algorithms to obtain high-quality, standardized axial images.<br>Other: Deep learning<br>* We will use a conditional generation adversarial network-based image mapping technique to train the mapping model between MSCT images and Micro-CT images, find the correspondence between the image information contained in each of MSCT and Micro-CT, and finally obtain high-resolution micro-CT-like images.<br>Procedure: Bio-mechanical testing<br>* we will cut a standardized cubic sample from the vertebral cancellous bone , obtain the bio-mechanical performance index of this cancellous bone sample by mechanical experiments, and analyze the correlation between bone structure of Micro-CT-like images and bio-mechanical index.<br>|
| micro-CT image<br>Scanning of the vertebral body using micro-CT | Diagnostic Test: Radiological scanning<br>* The collected specimens subject to normalized Micro-CT and MSCT image acquisition, image reconstruction using standard algorithms, and bone structure observation using bone algorithms to obtain high-quality, standardized axial images.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Consistency or correlation | Analyze the consistency or correlation between micro-CT and micro-CT-like bone structure indexes; analyze the correlation between micro-CT-like bone structure indexes and bio-mechanical indexes | From the beginning of the experiment to 8 months |