Granted Patent B2

US 8,073,521 · App. 10/944,478 · Granted Dec 6, 2011

Abstract

Claims (27)

1. A method for analyzing bone structure or bone density using a computer system, the method comprising the steps of:

obtaining a two-dimensional image of a subject, wherein the image comprises an image of the subject's trabecular bone;

extracting a projection structure of the trabecular bone from the two-dimensional image;

converting said projection structure of the trabecular bone into a three-dimensional probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone;

simulating bone remodeling using the probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone; and

predicting structural strength of the bone based at least in part on the simulation of bone remodeling.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the image is an x-ray image.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of predicting structural strength further includes referencing one or more structural strength databases.

4. A method for estimating fracture risk in a subject, the method comprising the steps of:

obtaining a two-dimensional image of the subject, wherein the image comprises an image of the subject's trabecular bone;

extracting a projection structure of the trabecular bone from the two-dimensional image;

converting said projection structure of the trabecular bone into a three-dimensional probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone;

measuring bone structure parameters of the probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone;

simulating bone remodeling using the probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone;

predicting structural strength of the bone based at least in part on the simulation of bone remodeling; and

estimating a fracture risk based at least in part on the bone structure measurements, and the predicted structural strength.

5. A method for estimating future fracture risk in a subject, the method comprising the steps of:

obtaining a two-dimensional image of the subject, wherein the image comprises an image of the subject's trabecular bone;

extracting a projection structure of the trabecular bone from the two-dimensional image;

converting said projection structure of the trabecular bone into a three-dimensional probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone;

measuring one or more parameters of the probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone;

simulating bone remodeling using the probable model representing the volumetric structure of the trabecular bone;

predicting structural strength of the bone based at least in part on the simulation of bone remodeling and the one or more measured parameters; and

comparing the predicted structural strength to measurements of population data, thereby predicting fracture risk in the subject.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the simulation of bone remodeling is of therapeutic interventions.

7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the simulation of bone remodeling is of disease progression.

8. The method of claim 5 , wherein one or more steps are automated.

Assignments (7)