Abstract: In DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), a system for automatically or nearly so identifying a region of interest in an AP (anterior/posterior) spinal image by processing the pixel values within a global region to find the lateral extent of the vertebra and the spaces between vertebra, and further processing the pixel values within the region of interest to derive estimates of bone parameters. In addition, also in DEXA, a system for automatically locating regions of interest in the hip.

Abstract: In DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), a system for automatically or nearly so identifying a region of interest in an AP (anterior/posterior) spinal image by processing the pixel values within a global region to find the lateral extent of the vertebra and the spaces between vertebra, and further processing the pixel values within the region of interest to derive estimates of bone parameters. In addition, also in DEXA, a system for automatically locating regions of interest in the hip.

Abstract: A DEXA bone densitometer produces estimates of future fracture risk from a current fracture data derived from a lateral image of a patient's thoracic and lumbar spine taken in a single scan, typically with the patient on her or his side, and from numerical bone mineral density measurements.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound bone analysis apparatus having a pair of transducer assemblies. Each transducer assembly has a transducer and a coupling pad, and is movable relative to the other so that a face of each pad can be moved to a position in which they mutually contact and to a position where the faces contact body parts. The method according to the present application includes transmitting an ultrasound signal from one transducer and receiving a signal corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signal through the other transducer when the transducer assemblies are in the first position and the second position. A time for the ultrasound signal to pass through the body part is determined, and a width of the body part based on positions of the transducers is determined. Then, using the time and width values a speed of sound of the ultrasound signal passing through the body part with squish compensation is calculated.

Abstract: Single and dual-energy x-ray images are obtained in a single scanning procedure, which allows measurement of bone density from the scan information acquired at both energy levels and high resolution digital geometric images from one of the two energy level scan sets. Densitometric and geometric measurements taken from multiple projections may be combined to create three-dimensional densitometric and tomographic images. An interface device allow an operator to select one of a plurality of scanning sequences which correspond to scanning a set of regions of interest in the patient.

Abstract: Variations in x-ray beam, filtration and detector gain characteristics are corrected by a multiple thickness flattening system. Preferably, an automatic multi-position attenuator mechanism inserts into the x-ray beam one or more flat reference attenuators of uniform composition. Thereafter, the response at each detector channel is measured. Unique factors are thus collected for each channel at multiple attenuation levels. An overall uniform response across the scan field is achieved by applying these correction factors to subsequent scan data. The current system compensates for detector gain by alternately turning X-rays on and off, so that dark level measurements can be interspersed with X-ray signal measurements. Detector offsets are eliminated in a linear data representation, while beam and detector flattening corrections are applied in a logarithmic data representation.