title: Computerized analysis of radiographic bone patterns: effect of imaging conditions on performance.
abstract: We are developing computerized methods for characterizing the bone texture pattern from digitized skeletal radiographs. For this method to be useful clinically, it must be able to distinguish between weak and strong bone under the range of exposure conditions potentially encountered in the clinical setting. In this study, we examined the effect of exposure conditions on Fourier-based texture features. Thirty-four femoral specimens from total hip arthroplasties were radiographed multiple times under different exposure conditions. The specimens underwent mechanical strength testing from which load to failure values were obtained. The performance of the texture features were investigated in the task of distinguishing between strong and weak bone as characterized by the load to failure values. The texture features showed no dependence upon focal spot size of the x-ray tube or magnification. The texture features did show a dependence with relative exposure, peak kilovoltage, and amount of scattering material.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Chinander
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Giger
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Martell
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Favus
mesh_terms: D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003201:Computers; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D013314:Stress, Mechanical