Model-based motion simulation framework for deep learning-assisted motion correction in dynamic wrist CT

OBJECTIVE: Four-dimensional CT (4DCT) enables visualization of dynamic wrist joint pathology but may be compromised by motion artifacts. Deep learning (DL)-assisted motion correction has the potential to enhance wrist 4DCT quality, but model development is hindered by scarce training data. To address this, we developed a model-based motion simulation framework that generated realistic 4DCT data with paired static ground truth images to demonstrate wrist motion correction using a physics-informed DL model trained with simulated data. Approach. Wrist motion was simulated by synchronizing rotational and translational movements of carpal bones and connective tissues. Elastic deformation guided by analytically-derived motion vector fields was applied to static wrist scans at neutral positions to create artifact-free images at multiple angular positions. Virtual motion-corrupted 4DCT images were produced via forward projection and reconstruction with synchronized gantry and wrist motion. Experimental data from 4DCT cadaver scans were collected to validate simulation quality. Low-intensity region score (LIRS), positivity, and entropy were used to assess simulated motion artifacts. A physics-informed motion correction network was adapted exclusively using simulated training data and subsequently deployed on simulated, real cadaveric, and in vivo 4DCT scans. LIRS and structural similarity index (SSIM) were used to evaluate motion correction quality. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted (α=0.05). Results. The simulation method created realistic motion artifacts compared to real scan reference (p>0.05). Motion artifacts were effectively mitigated across testing cases demonstrating generalizability. In simulated scans, LIRS improved from 0.55±0.12 to 0.75±0.04 and SSIM from 0.87±0.08 to 0.95±0.03 at bone regions (each p<0.01). In experimental cadaveric scans, LIRS improved from 0.05±0.01 to 0.31±0.17 in marker regions and from 0.58±0.19 to 0.77±0.14 in bone regions (each p<0.01). Significance. Our simulation method facilitates training DL-assisted motion correction algorithms by providing high-quality training data, effectively supporting 4DCT image quality enhancement. .