Abstract
Single energy X-ray imaging, due to its low cost and flexibility, is one of the most used and common technique to assess bone state and bone remodeling over time. Standardized X-ray images are needed to compare sets of radiographs for semi-quantitative analyses of tissue remodeling. However, useful mathematical modeling for the analysis of high level radiographic images are not easily available. In order to propose a useful evaluation tool to a wide clinical scenario, we present an innovative calibration algorithm for a semi-quantitative analysis of non-standardized digitized X-ray images. For calibration on a unique standardization scale, three time invariant regions (ROI) of radiographs were selected and analyzed. The accuracy of the normalization method for X-ray films was successfully validated by using an aluminum step wedge for routine X-ray exposures as tool to standardize serial radiographs (Pearson correlation test: R2 = 0.96). This method was applied to investigate the progression of the new bone deposition within ceramic scaffolds used as osteoconductive substitute in large bone defects taking advantage of a large animal model. This innovative image-processing algorithm allowed the identification and semi-quantification of the bone matrix deposited within the implant. The osteo-integration at the bone-implant interface was also investigated. A progressively increasing bonetissue deposition within the porous bioceramic implant and a progressive osteo-integration was observed during the 12 months of the trial.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 189-198 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Biotechnology and Bioengineering |
Volume | 92 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 20 2005 |
Keywords
- Bone formation
- Calibration
- Engineered bone tissue
- Osteoconductive grafts
- X-ray imaging
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology