Problems with six-point vertebral morphometry

Jill C. Gardner; Laurence G. Yaffe; Jennifer M. Johansen; Gabriel von Ingersleben; Charles H. Chestnut III

doi:10.1117/12.310969

24 June 1998 Problems with six-point vertebral morphometry

Jill C. Gardner, Laurence G. Yaffe, Jennifer M. Johansen, Gabriel von Ingersleben, Charles H. Chestnut III

Proceedings Volume 3338, Medical Imaging 1998: Image Processing; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310969
Event: Medical Imaging '98, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

In this study we have examined errors in measurements of vertebral heights and vertebral area resulting from spin rotation and projection effects in x-ray images. Measurement errors were evaluated with phantom images, and simulated rotations of a 3D spine model. An active contour model (snake) was used for measurements of vertebral area. The model contained two pressure parameters which were needed to obtain good fits of the snake to upper and lower edges (endplates) of rotated vertebral bodies. Details of the snake model are included in this report. The results of this study indicate that six point vertebral morphometry can result to significant measurement errors, representing an overestimation of vertebral height and area, in cases showing projection effects and concealed endplate contours. In serial studies, such errors could produce the erroneous appearance of `growing' vertebral bodies. One can improve the accuracy of the morphometric analysis by using additional fiducial points placed on corresponding endplate contours. Additional useful information on fracture and vertebral deformity can be obtained by accurately tracking edge contours, using an active contour model, or comparable techniques.

Citation Download Citation

Jill C. Gardner, Laurence G. Yaffe, Jennifer M. Johansen, Gabriel von Ingersleben, and Charles H. Chestnut III "Problems with six-point vertebral morphometry", Proc. SPIE 3338, Medical Imaging 1998: Image Processing, (24 June 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310969

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