Qualitative analysis of bone strength using radiographic imaging and ultrasound measurements

Abstract

The evaluation of bone strength is a key component for fracture risk assessment Recently it has been demonstrated that in addition to bone mineral density factors like micro architecture orientations of trabecular bone and geometrical features of the bone also remain the prime determinants of bone strength Current clinical methods for assessment of bone quality are largely dependent on bone mass Some techniques provide three dimensional images of trabecular bone features for the analysis but their applicability to newlinelarge populations are limited by their cost greater radiation exposure lengthy time required for the analytical procedure and availability Thus in this work by considering the desires and the limitations of the available methods strength of the bone is analyzed newlineDigital radiography is cost effective and most commonly available imaging modality that has the potential to reflect trabecular microarchitecture The significant informations that are available in 3D images are also available in great detail on standard radiographs Quantitative ultra sound of bone is also a promising technique used in assessing bone microarchitecture in addition to bone mass Hence in this work bone strength in human trabecular bone is assessed and classified using radiographic images and ultrasound newlinemeasurements recorded for the same subjects newline newline