A Smart Approach of Image Processing for C-Spine Traction using Spectral Transformation

Physics behind medical science is always remains an emerging topic of research. Cervical disc degenerative diseases can be cured to some extent by traction therapy but the method used for traction is based on physiotherapist experience (Physical Therapists are professionals, educated and trained to administer interventions). Therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to assess the angle of pull, maximum and minimum force to be applied, traction duration &frequency of traction based on the range specified in the literature and by their experience to produce the diagnosis, prognosis and the patient or client's goals, which sometimes make the treatment inaccurate and time consuming job. In this paper, image processing algorithm is used to detect the intervertebral posterior height. If the intervertebral space is less then 3mm, mathematical algorithm runs to calculate the amount of traction force that is to be applied on the patient under medical supervision. In this paper an algorithm is proposed which calculate the intermittent traction force that is to be applied to a person by analyzing cervical spine image and physical examination which is mainly depend upon body weight. Spectral analysis of 60 vertebrae X-Ray images is done out of which 10 images are abnormal and required cervical traction. Exact traction weight calculated using mathematical algorithm. The goal of this research is to improve outcomes, quality of care, and provide some standardization of treatment thus the highest amount of degeneration of the cervical spine occurs at these locations. C5, C6 and C7 levels are the most common vertebras to be affected. Table below presents the most common affected portion of cervical vertebrae during various disorders; the data is compiled from literature.