The aim of this research was to develop a magnetic resonance (MR) sequence
capable of producing images suitable for use with computer assisted surgery
(CAS) of the lumbar spine, These images needed good tissue contrast betwee
n bone and soft tissue to allow for image segmentation and generation of a
3D-surface model of the bone for surface registration. A 3D double echo fas
t gradient echo sequence was designed. Images were filtered for noise and n
onuniformity and combined into a single data set. Registration experiments
were carried out to directly compare segmentation of MR and computed tomogr
aphy (CT) images using a physical model of a spine. These experiments showe
d the MR data produced adequate surface registration in 90% of the experime
nts compared to 100% with CT data. The MR images acquired using the sequenc
e and processing described in this article are suitable to be used with CAS
of the spine.