Intervertebral Disc

Intervertebral discs (IVDs), the cushions between vertebrae, are a critical focus of research due to their crucial role in spinal health and the prevalence of associated diseases like herniation and degeneration. Current research emphasizes developing accurate and efficient automated segmentation of IVDs from medical images, employing advanced deep learning architectures such as transformer-CNN hybrids and U-Net variations incorporating shape information to improve segmentation accuracy and reduce false positives. These advancements in image analysis, coupled with improved finite element modeling calibration techniques using neural networks, are significantly enhancing the diagnosis and treatment planning for spinal conditions.