X-Ray Reconstruction of the Spinal Cord, Using Bone Suppression

In this paper, a new method is developed for obtaining an X-ray reconstruction of the soft tissue detail of the spinal canal. By removing the dominant effects of the bony vertebral body within the projection actual clinical data, higher quality images of the residual soft tissues components can be reconstructed. The intent is a direct visualization of the spinal cord without the need for water-soluble contrast (e.g., Metrizamide) to be installed through a lumbar or cervical puncture. This technique for bone suppression also has potential for improving visualization of the interior of the mastoid cavities in the head.