Algorithm #1: sct_propseg
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The first spinal cord segmentation tool that SCT offers is called sct_propseg, and it works as follows:
- 1. Centerline detection:
sct_propseg starts by using a machine learning-based method (OptiC) to automatically detect the approximate center of the spinal cord.
(The centerline detection step is also provided in a standalone script called sct_get_centerline.)
- 2. Mesh propagation:
Next, a coarse 3D mesh is created by propagating along the spinal cord (PropSeg).
- 3. Surface refinement:
Finally, the surface of the mesh is refined using small adjustments.
sct_propseg was developed in 2014. In the years following, however, SCT has added a deep learning-based approach called sct_deepseg_sc.