Quantification methodology for peripheral quantitative computed tomography (PQCT) data using public domain software
M E Kovach1, E J Eschbach, D L Wheeler
1Orthopedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA.
Objective:
To develop a method for viewing, processing and acquiring 3-dimensional volumetric data from existing ovine spinal peripheral quantitative computed tomography (PQCT) scans of posterior lateral fusion.
Design:
An image processing development study.
Background:
Existing medical image viewing software can be expensive and difficult to adapt to meet specific research needs. The goals of this study were to produce volume rendering of PQCT scans through processing, masking, and segmentation using public domain software with established source code.
Methods:
Raw data files (DICOM format) of 32 PQCT scans from animals receiving spine fusion were obtained. Metal hardware was removed from the images by masks and image segmentation. Calculation of bone macro-architecture volumetric data was performed on right and left sides of spines to quantify fusion volume in normalized segments between transverse processes.
Results:
Images were acquired and opened. Application of image processing techniques made it possible to remove surgical hardware from original images with minimal loss of original PQCT data. Volumes were calculated and normalized to gray-scale of total bone throughout individual selected segments.
Conclusion:
Using public domain software is a cost effective means to view, process, and manipulate PQCT data. Bone macro-architecture can provide quantitative volumetric contributions to ascertain the role of structure on mechanical function.
