Fractal properties of bone.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce the applications of fractal analysis of bone in medical imaging in general and dental radiographs in particular.


RESULTS
Various methods for measuring fractal dimension have been used to compare normal with osteoporotic bone with contradictory results. This disparity may be attributed to differences in the anatomical sites studied and differences in methods used to obtain the 2D images. However, differences in methods used to measure fractal dimension can also be responsible.


CONCLUSIONS
When fractal dimension is used to study bone it must be remembered that all stages in the analytical chain have an impact on the results. Thus, to obtain more conclusive results, studies on the fractal dimension of bone should be carefully designed and individual methods thoroughly evaluated.
Geraets
W G
WG
Department of Radiology, ACTA, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van der Stelt
P F
PF
D000465:Algorithms; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D017709:Fractals; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008954:Models, Biological; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods