Abstract: A method of deriving an estimate of the extent of fracture in a vertebra shown in an image of part of A spine is provided. The images of at least two vertebrae are segmented to obtain data representative of the shape and size of each of the vertebrae. An approximation of the shape of a first of the vertebrae is reconstructed by comparing the data obtained for a second of the two vertebrae with a mathematical model of at least the same two vertebrae of an unfractured spine. The unfractured shape of the first vertebra is predicted to enable a comparison of the shape and size of the first vertebra as imaged with the predicted unfractured shape and size. The difference between the respective images is subsequently computed to obtain a result representative of the extent of fracture in the first vertebra.

Abstract: A method for performing quality control on medical images in a clinical trial setting. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of designating an image as reference image; obtaining attribute data from the reference image as reference attribute data; storing the reference image and the reference attribute data; subsequently taking a second image; obtaining attribute data from the second image as second attribute data; comparing the second image with the reference image on a single output screen; and denoting on the single output screen the second attribute data associated with the second image which differs from the reference data associated with the reference image.

Abstract: A frame for positioning and labeling an appendage relative to an x-ray cassette during x-radiography. In one embodiment, the frame includes an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion positioned on the first surface. The protrusion aids in the positioning of the appendage and preventing the first surface of the plate from being in contact with the x-ray cassette. In still yet another embodiment, the plate includes indicia for positioning the appendage. Another aspect of the invention is a method for positioning an appendage on x-ray cassette including the steps of: providing a frame having an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion positioned on the first surface; placing the plate on the x-ray cassette such that the second surface is in contact with the x-ray cassette; and placing the appendage on the plate.

Abstract: A frame for determining the position and orientation of an x-ray source relative to an x-ray cassette during x-radiography. In one embodiment the frame includes an x-ray transparent or translucent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a partially radio-opaque protrusion positioned on the first surface of the plate. In another embodiment, a method for determining the position and orientation of an x-ray source relative to an x-ray cassette is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a frame, including an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion having a radio-opaque portion positioned on the first surface of the plate, and placing the plate on the x-ray cassette such that the second surface is in contact with the x-ray cassette. The method further includes placing the appendage on the plate in close juxtaposition to the protrusion, exposing the appendage and plate to an x-ray beam, and examining the image formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for positioning a hand for medical imaging. In one embodiment, the frame includes a plate having a first surface and a second surface, and at least one indicium of handedness on one of the first and second surface. In the embodiment, at least one indicium of the frame is positioned asymmetrically on one of the first and second surfaces. In another embodiment, while, at least one of the first and second surfaces is flat, the other surface is shaped to raise the fingers of the hand, and has a raised platform to support the wrist of said hand. The indicium is visible under medical imaging illumination. Medical imaging is selected from a group consisting of: X-Ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), computed tomography (CT), and PET (position emission tomography).

Abstract: A method for providing a medical service in a therapeutic area requested by a client. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of defining a plurality of offerings associated with the medical service in the therapeutic area. At least one service category is associated with each of the offerings. At least one activity is associated with each of the service categories. At least one tool is associated with each of the activities. The method further includes the step of associating the offerings, the activities, the service categories and the tools with a respective plane of a hypercube. In response to the medical service, at least one location in the hypercube, which represents the offering, service category, activity and tool required to provide the medical service, is identified.

Abstract: The invention provides a test device or “phantom” for use in conjunction with medical imaging modalities. In one embodiment, the phantom replicates the attenuation and absorption properties of joint articular cartilage. The phantom is useful for quality assurance of images of joints obtained using an array of medical imaging modalities.

Abstract: The invention provides a test device or “phantom” for use in conjunction with medical imaging modalities. The phantom mimics the properties of joint particular cartilage. The phantom is useful for quality assurance of images of joints obtained using an array of medical imaging modalities.

Abstract: The invention provides a test device or “phantom” for use in conjunction with medical imaging modalities. In one embodiment, the phantom replicates the attenuation and absorption properties of joint articular cartilage. The phantom is useful for quality assurance of images of joints obtained using an array of medical imaging modalities.

Abstract: The invention provides a test device or “phantom” for use in conjunction with medical imaging modalities. The phantom mimics the properties of joint particular cartilage. The phantom is useful for quality assurance of images of joints obtained using an array of medical imaging modalities.