Characterization of Trabecular Architecture in Femur Bone Radiographs Using Succolarity

Estimation of mechanical strength of bones is an essential component in clinical measurement for assessment of osteoporosis and fracture. The biomechanical properties of trabecular bone depend not only on mineral density, but also on trabecular microarchitecture. In this work, trabecular structure is characterized using succolarity analysis on femur radiographic images. These features are correlated with estimated porosity. Results show that there is distinct variation in succolarity values between normal and abnormal subjects. Further, the values of succolarity are found to have better correlation with apparent porosity. Hence it appears that succolarity could be a useful feature to quantify trabecular structural patterns and to classify normal and abnormal femur bones. This method of analysis helps in establishing biomarkers of osteoporosis like bone disorders.