Comparative Analysis of CT Scan Resolutions for Accurate Vertebral Segmentation and 3D Modeling

The resolution of Computed tomography (CT) scans plays an important role in the accuracy of vertebra segmentation and subsequent 3D model reconstruction which are essential for precise clinical applications and 3D printing. This study provides a comparative analysis of 1mm and 3mm CT scan resolutions that specifically focus on the segmentation of the L3 and L4 vertebrae using 3D Slicer. The 1mm resolution demonstrated superior performance with a Dice coefficient of 0.92 compared to 0.85 for the 3mm resolution by highlighting the significant impact of higher resolution on segmentation accuracy. The study also discusses the importance of image resolution proposing that 1mm scans offer enhanced precision for detailed 3D reconstruction. 3mm scans may suffice in scenarios where lower precision is acceptable. These findings emphasize the need for careful selection of CT scan resolution based on the intended clinical or research application by paving the way for optimized patient outcomes and efficient resource utilization.