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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.spine.altician.com/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Overview

ALTICIAN Spine supports CT DICOM files using the same drag-and-drop workflow you already use for MRI. No additional setup is required.

Opening CT Files

Drag your CT DICOM folder (or individual .dcm files) into the app window. The volume loads automatically and displays in the 3D viewer.
CT and MRI files use the same loading workflow. If you have both, load them separately and switch between sessions as needed.

Automatic Bone Mesh Generation

When a CT series is loaded, the app can generate a 3D mesh of bony structures automatically.
  • A threshold slider in the right panel lets you adjust which density levels are included in the mesh.
  • Raising the threshold shows only dense bone; lowering it includes surrounding tissue.
  • The mesh updates in real time as you move the slider.

Metal Detection

Implants, screws, and other metallic hardware are identified automatically and separated from the bone mesh.
What you seeWhat it means
Separate mesh layer labeled “Metal”Hardware detected and isolated
Amber highlight in the panelOne or more metal objects found
You can toggle metal visibility independently from the bone mesh using the layer controls in the right panel.

Window / Level Presets

CT images are commonly viewed with specific brightness and contrast settings. Use the Preset dropdown in the toolbar to switch between standard display modes:
PresetBest for
BoneBony anatomy and hardware
Soft TissueMuscles, discs, and nerves
LungThoracic cavity and airways
AbdomenAbdominal organs
You can also fine-tune brightness and contrast manually using the W/L tool.

Differences from MRI

FeatureMRICT
Bone mesh auto-generationVia AI segmentation (Helper)Automatic via threshold
Metal detectionNot availableAutomatic
Window presetsMRI-specificCT-standard (Bone, Soft Tissue, etc.)
Segmentation labelsVertebrae, discs, cordBone, Metal
Color appearanceSoft-tissue contrastHigh bone contrast
CT-based bone meshes are generated from density thresholds and may include or exclude structures depending on the threshold setting. Review the mesh carefully before relying on it for any assessment.