title: Automatic segmentation of magnetic resonance images of the trans-femoral residual limb.
abstract: An automatic algorithm for the extraction of the skin and bone boundaries from axial magnetic resonance images of the residual limb of trans-femoral amputees is presented. The method makes use of K-means clustering and mathematical morphology. Statistical analysis of the results indicates that the computer-generated boundaries compare favourably to those drawn by human observers. The boundaries may be used in biomechanical modelling of the interaction between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket. The limb/socket interface determines the quality of prosthetic fit, therefore knowledge of this interface is important for the improvement of socket design in order to achieve patient comfort and mobility.
authors.affiliation: Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde, Wolfson Centre, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Solomonidis
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Spence
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Sandham
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Hadley
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000465:Algorithms; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000473:pathology*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001284:Atrophy; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005269:Femur / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D016683:Supine Position; D014584:User-Computer Interface