Fractal analysis of bone X-ray tomographic microscopy projections

IEEE Trans Med Imaging. 2001 May;20(5):443-9. doi: 10.1109/42.925297.

Abstract

Fractal analysis of bone X-ray images has received much interest recently for the diagnosis of bone disease. In this paper, we propose a fractal analysis of bone X-ray tomographic microscopy (XTM) projections. The aim of the study is to establish whether or not there is a correlation between three-dimensional (3-D) trabecular changes and two-dimensional (2-D) fractal descriptors. Using a highly collimated beam, 3-D bone X-ray tomographic images were obtained. Trabecular bone loss was simulated using a mathematical morphology method. Then, 2-D projections were generated in each of the three orthogonal directions. Finally, the model of fractional Brownian motion (fBm) was used on bone XTM 2-D projections to characterize changes in bone structure that occur during disease, such a simulation of bone loss. Results indicate that fBm is a robust texture model allowing quantification of simulations of trabecular bone changes.

MeSH terms

  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone and Bones / pathology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Fractals
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*