Metacarpal phantom radiograph edge detection using genetic algorithm gradient based genotype / Norharyati Md Ariff

The conventional criterion for fi"acture risk assessment is measured based on bone
mineral density (BMD) value that is produce by X-ray. Even if there is a strong
association between bone strength and BMD, nowadays it is well accepted that this is
not sufficiently reliable predictor of fi^cture risk in osteoporotic patients. Therefore,
there is a growing need for better predictor of bone strength. The image processing is
one of the methods to measure the bone strength. It is need to get the optimal result
of osteoperosis or osteopenia detection. Using image segmentation, the bone strength
can be measure by looking for the great image on the length of the outline cortical.
For the image segmentation, genetic algorithm are use to segment the bone image
and it is a new method that applies in the image processing field. Genetic algorithms
have several steps. For the initial population, 200 pixels will be taken to be the initial
population in randomly. From the initial population, the fitaess fimction has to
calculate to get the fittest pixels. Fitaess fimction is calculated based on the gradient
which is the length fi*om each pixel. The range of pixel value and the position
between the characteristic of the bone are define. The fittest pixel values that are fit
with the characteristic are selected to make the crossover and mutation. After that,
the next generation will be process until it get the satisfy value to get the optimum
line between the cortical bone and trabecular bone. The objectives has been achieved
and found the outline of the cortical bone. The results come out with the mean and
standard deviation of the cortical bone length. The prototype is capable to shows the
outline of the cortical bone and the accuracy of the outline is 30% to 50% after make
the comparison fi-om other researcher.