APPLICATION OF COMPUTER TEXTURE ANALYSIS TO THE SINGH INDEX

The Singh Index, which describes trabecular patterns in the proximal f emur, has been used as a predictor for hip fractures and as an indicat or of osteopenia. Evidence suggests that its contribution to the asses sment of hip fracture risk is in its description of the structural pro perties of the femur. However, subjectivity in its determination may l imit its practical value. In this study, we have used computer texture analysis to characterize the textural changes in trabecular bone whic h occur in osteoporosis. Texture analysis of the proximal femur was us ed to rank radiographs of 25 cadaver femora by Singh grading. These ra nkings were compared with those performed by two experienced radiologi sts. The computer method performed better than the least consistent in dividual radiologist, but not as well as the two radiologists in combi nation. The method required no radiologist's time after the system had been 'trained' from a set of example radiographs. The method has pote ntial for use in large studies in which speed and consistency of measu rement are important.