An image processing technique for the quantitative analysis of hip disorder in Perthes' disease

Abstract

A new semi-automatic, computer-based method for the quantitative analysis of radiographs in children with Perthes' disease is presented. To this end, image processing techniques are applied in order to estimate in an accurate way the femoral head shape and its relationship with the acetabulum, as well as the bone loss and the flattening of the affected femoral head with respect to the contralateral unaffected hip in children with unilateral Perthes' disease. Furthermore, the femoral head centralization in the acetabulum is estimated, providing important information on the overall hip joint function, which is of great importance in any hip disorder.