Computer-assisted bone age assessment: Image preprocessing and epiphyseal/metaphyseal ROI extraction

Clinical assessment of skeletal maturity is based on a visual comparison of a left-hand wrist radiograph with atlas patterns. Using a new digital hand atlas an image analysis methodology is being developed. To assist radiolog ists in bone age estimation. The analysis starts with a preprocessing funct ion yielding epiphyseal/metaphyseal regions of interest (EMROIs). Then, the se regions are subjected to a feature extraction function. Accuracy has bee n measured independently at three stages of the image analysis: detection o f phalangeal tip, extraction of the EMROIs, and location of diameters and l ower edge of the EMROIs. Extracted features describe the stage of skeletal development more objectively than visual comparison.