How to estimate bone age using wrist bones in matlab?

Bone age is estimated using TW3 process, so I need a matlab code for bone age estimation. Even a code related to wrist bone segmentation could also be useful

Pictures?

http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/7924-where-can-i-upload-images-and-files-for-use-on-matlab-answers

I don't know the TW3 process. Is that something you found here: http://iris.usc.edu/Vision-Notes/bibliography/contentsmedical.html#Medical%20Applications,%20CAT,%20MRI,%20Ultrasound,%20Heart%20Models,%20Brain%20Models

Answer 1

You have to decide whether you want to use the Greulich and Pyle or Tanner and Waterhouse method. Here is one idea from 2003 that uses the Greulich and Pyle method Computerized Bone Age Estimation.

The ‘TW3’ method is a variation on the original Tanner and Waterhouse criteria.

I could only find two relatively recent articles in PubMed, and only 20 in the entire literature [searching on ("skeletal maturity" & computer & analysis)]. I doubt they have the MATLAB code already written, but they likely describe the process. (The reason I bolded the PMID information is that the PMID is the easiest way to find them in PubMed. I had to delete the abstracts because they made the post too long.)

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If you have access to the IEEE journals, this one is avialable here: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=4530646.

IEEE Trans Med Imaging. 2009 Jan;28(1):52-66.

The BoneXpert method for automated determination of skeletal maturity.

Thodberg HH, Kreiborg S, Juul A, Pedersen KD. SourceVisiana Aps, Søllerødvej 57C, DK-2840 Holte, Denmark. [e-mail]

PMID: 19116188 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Related citations

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This one is FREE. You can find it here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046610/.

J Digit Imaging. 2004 Sep;17(3):175-88. Epub 2004 Jun 4.

Computer-assisted bone age assessment: graphical user interface for image processing and comparison.

Pietka E, Gertych A, Pospiechâ Euro Kurkowska S, Cao F, Huang HK, Gilzanz V. SourceDivision of Biomedical Electronics, Institute of Electronics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland. [e-mail].

PMID: 15175931 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] PMCID: PMC3046610Free PMC Article Related citations

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Thank you so much for seeking out time to answer this question, but I would be highly obliged if matlab code could be provided for Tanner and Whitehouse method.

I'm sure if he had it he would have already notified you of that. Do you expect Star Strider to create/develop the code for you?

I strongly suggest that you consult with a radiologist first to understand the process of interpreting Tanner and Waterhouse criteria as completely as you can before you start your MATLAB programming. You need to understand what the radiologist looks for in the x-ray, how the radiologist interprets what he or she sees, and how the radiologist reports the results. Ideally, if the radiologist has time, he or she will give you some x-rays, have you read them yourself first, then guide you in detail through interpreting them. I suggest you ask the radiologist in advance to set aside some time with you for such a tutorial. You will have to know this anyway in order to determine if your MATLAB code is working correctly.

I was not able to find any references to MATLAB code in my searches. I suggest you contact the authors of the papers (who provided their e-mail addresses) to see if they have MATLAB code or at least an extended description of their methods. When you know what you need to do to implement the Tanner and Waterhouse method, search through the MATLAB Image Processing Toolbox documentation for the required functions, and do as much as you can on your own first. Then if you have problems, return to MATLAB Answers with a description of what you have done and the problems you are having for help in solving them.

Be encouraged that others have done what you want to do (even though not in MATLAB) and have even published on it relatively recently.

Image Analyst, I very much appreciate your comment!

Thank you Image Analyst and Star Strider for your valuable time and comments. I will surely take note of your advice.