Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Detecting nuclear – electromagnetic – or ultrasonic radiation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-26
2001-03-20
Casler, Brian L. (Department: 3737)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation
C382S128000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205348
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to a method and system for the computerized radiographic analysis of bone structure. Specific applications are given for the analysis of the trabecular mass and bone pattern for the assessment of osteoporosis and as a predictor of risk or fracture. Novel techniques involve a directional analysis of the Fourier spectrum relative to many texture measures. Additional techniques include the a one-shot dual energy exposure for the assessment of bone mass while simultaneously obtaining an image for the texture analysis for bone structure.
2. Discussion of the Background
Osteoporosis is a widespread medical condition that affects about 15-20 million people in the United State and accounts for about 1.3 million new fractures per year in people greater than 45 years of age. Osteoporosis manifests as a loss in bone mass, a tendency to fracture and as a structural alteration of bone. Quantitative measures of bone mass serve as important diagnostic indicators for determining the risk of fracture and in following the progress of patients on therapy for osteoporosis. The most widely used methods of assessing bone mass are by bone mineral densitometry (BMD) that involves dual photon absorptiometry with either an x-ray or nuclear source, and quantitative computed tomography. These methods are very accurate in determining bone mass, which has been shown to be a very good predictor of fracture risk in osteoporosis. There is, however, considerable overlap of the measurements of BMD for patients with osteoporosis who have, or go on to have atraumatic fractures compared to age-matched controls who do not have, or do not go on to have, atraumatic fractures. In addition to bone mass, bone structure is probably also important in determining the mechanical strength of bone and thus fracture risk. A few preliminary studies have been performed in relating certain textural measures to bone structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a computerized method and system for the radiographic analysis of bone structure and risk of future fracture.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and system for texture analysis for use in quantitating the bone structure and risk of future fracture.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and system for incorporating directionality information in the analysis of the bone structure (texture).
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and system for using dual energy imaging in order to obtain measures of both bone mass and bone structure with one exam.
These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by providing a new and improved method and system for the analysis of bone structure and future risk of fracture. Specific applications are given for the analysis of regions within the vertebral bodies on conventional spine radiographs. Techniques include novel features that characterize the power spectrum of the bone structure and allow extraction of directionality features with which to characterize the spatial distribution and thickness of the bone trabeculae. These features are then merged using artificial neural networks in order to yield a likelihood of risk of future fracture. In addition, a method and system is presented in which dual-energy imaging techniques are used to yield measures of both bone mass and bone structure with one low-dose radiographic examination; thus, making the system desirable for screening (for osteoporosis and risk of future fracture).
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Doi Kunio
Giger Maryellen L.
ARCH Development Corporation
Casler Brian L.
Oblon & Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt P.C.
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