RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Fractal analysis of digitized images has been investigated in recent years as a potential measure of structural bone strength. Several technical issues associated with such measurements are assessed. METHODS: In a series of experiments using a hand phantom, the effects of system noise and modulation transfer function on fractal dimension were explored. The authors evaluated a method for correcting the estimated power spectrum using a step-wedge image exposed and digitized under identical conditions as a reference. RESULTS: System noise and modulation transfer function significantly affect estimated fractal dimension in bony regions computed from conventional radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Before conventional radiographs are used for fractal analysis in the clinical environment, many of the technical problems associated with this methodology must be addressed.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Fractal analysis of digitized images has been investigated in recent years as a potential measure of structural bone strength. Several technical issues associated with such measurements are assessed. METHODS: In a series of experiments using a hand phantom, the effects of system noise and modulation transfer function on fractal dimension were explored. The authors evaluated a method for correcting the estimated power spectrum using a step-wedge image exposed and digitized under identical conditions as a reference. RESULTS: System noise and modulation transfer function significantly affect estimated fractal dimension in bony regions computed from conventional radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Before conventional radiographs are used for fractal analysis in the clinical environment, many of the technical problems associated with this methodology must be addressed.
Authors: M K Nair; A Seyedain; R L Webber; U P Nair; N P Piesco; S Agarwal; M P Mooney; H G Gröndahl Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2001 Impact factor: 5.315