Image analysis techniques for characterizing disc space narrowing in cervical vertebrae interfaces

Image analysis techniques are introduced for evaluating disc space narrowing of cervical vertebrae interfaces from X-ray images. Four scale-invariant, distance transforrn-based features are presented for characterizing the spacing between adjacent vertebrae. K-means and self-organizing map clustering techniques are applied to estimate the degree of disc space narrowing using a four grade (0-3) scoring system, where 0 and 3 represent normal spacing and significant narrowing, respectively. For a data set of 294 vertebrae interfaces, experimental results yield average correct grade assignment of greater than 82.10% for each of the four grades using a one grade window around the correct grade. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.