Algorithm #2: sct_deepseg_sc

As its name suggests, sct_deepseg_sc is based on deep learning. It is a newer algorithm, having been introduced to SCT in 2018. The steps of the algorithm are as follows:

1. Spinal cord detection

First, a convolutional neural network is used to generate a probablistic heatmap for the location of the spinal cord.

2. Centerline detection

The heatmap is then fed into the OptiC algorithm to detect the spinal cord centerline.

3. Patch extraction

The spinal cord centerline is used to extract a patch from the image. (This is done to exclude regions that we are certain do not contain the spinal cord.)

4. Segmentation

Lastly, a second convolutional neural network is applied to the extracted patch to segment the spinal cord.