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Vertebral body deformities resulting from osteoporosis are commonly observed in lateral spine radiographs. Clinically, these deformities are judged rather subjectively, both in their classification and in the assessment of the extent of deformity. In order to objectify clinical observation, morphometric measurements are a means for classifying and quantifying the presence and extent of vertebral body deformities. Drawing on the morphometric systems of Minne et al. (1988) and Smith-Bindman et al. (1991), we propose a total vertebral deformity index (TVDI) which provides a single, clinically meaningful number indicative of the extent of deformity in a vertebral column. Each of the three deformity types (wedge, biconcave, and compression) is classified and measured independently, using ratios relating measurements of anterior, mid, and posterior heights, and inferior width. Expected measurements are determined for each vertebral level, and the sum of the deviations from the measured to the expected values generates a vertebral deformity index. This proposed index addresses issues in vertebral body morphometry, including vertebral level specificity, body size differences, multiple compression effects, and multiple deformity types. Inherent in the practical use of morphometric quantification are issues of accuracy and reproducibility of the measurements, .and of the time involved in making these measurements. Digital image processing algorithms are developed to attempt automated detection and measurement of the vertebral body boundary, using Computed Radiography images of the lateral spine. Three different methods yield varying results. In addition to the characteristics of lateral spine images (such as high intensity vertebral ridges) which are used to advantage by the algorithms, all three methods must deal with problematic anatomical characteristics such as the presence of the high intensity ribs and ilium. The first method is a series of image enhancement and thresholding steps applied to each vertebra, in order to delineate its vertebral boundary in a hi-level image. This method is fairly effective, but suffers from its dependence on thresholding. The second method uses the cross-correlation measure to detect the vertebrae, given a starting vertebra, and then uses edge-gradient tracking to trace the vertebral boundary. Results of this method are promising. There remains a weakness in the cross-correlation detector, which fails to accurately locate vertebrae that are further away from the starting vertebra. The third method is an active contouring technique called Snakes, in which the vertebral boundary is represented by a deformable spline which seeks to minimize an energy functional consisting of curvature, continuity, and image energy terms. Present results display minimal convergence onto the vertebral boundaries. Future work should refine the customization of the energy functional to produce better results. At present, all three methods require some kind of user interaction. Further development may prove fruitful in reducing user interaction to achieve a truly automated system. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

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No / Advanced radiographic practice has been the focus of much discussion and debate over the last decade, not only in the United Kingdom where advanced practitioner roles are now recognised within the national career framework, but also internationally. Yet, despite almost simultaneous professional movement towards advanced radiographic practice philosophy and ideals in many countries, international collaboration on this development has been minimal. This paper marks a growing international dialogue in this field. It discusses the theoretical concepts of advanced radiographic practice and the development of advanced practitioner roles, incorporating evidence and ideas from differing international perspectives and debates progress towards a potential unified global advanced practice identity.

No / The role of radiographers with respect to image interpretation within clinical practice is well recognised. It is the expectation of the professional, regulatory and academic bodies that upon qualification, radiographers will possess image interpretation skills. Additionally, The College of Radiographers has asserted that its aspiration is for all radiographers to be able to provide an immediate written interpretation on skeletal trauma radiographs by 2010. This paper explores the readiness of radiography education programmes in the UK to deliver this expectation. Method A postal questionnaire was distributed to 25 Higher Education Institutions in the UK (including Northern Ireland) that provided pre-registration radiography education as identified from the Society & College of Radiographers register. Information was sought relating to the type of image interpretation education delivered at pre- and post-registration levels; the anatomical range of image interpretation education; and education delivery styles. Results A total of 19 responses (n=19/25; 76.0%) were received. Image interpretation education was included as part of all radiographer pre-registration programmes and offered at post-registration level at 12 academic centres (n=12/19; 63.2%). The anatomical areas and educational delivery methods varied across institutions. Conclusion Radiography education providers have embraced the need for image interpretation education within both pre- and post-registration radiography programmes. As a result, UK education programmes are able to meet the 2010 College of Radiographers aspiration.

This dissertation presents a contrast-enhancement algorithm called Artifact-Suppressed Adaptive Histogram Equalization (ASAHE). This algorithm was developed as part of a larger effort to replace the film radiographs currently used in radiology departments with digital images. Among the expected benefits of digital radiology are improved image management and greater diagnostic accuracy. Film radiographs record X-ray transmission data at high spatial resolution, and a wide dynamic range of signal. Current digital radiography systems record an image at reduced spatial resolution and with coarse sampling of the available dynamic range. These reductions have a negative impact on diagnostic accuracy. The contrast-enhancement algorithm presented in this dissertation is designed to boost diagnostic accuracy of radiologists using digital images. The ASAHE algorithm is an extension of an earlier technique called Adaptive Histogram Equalization (AHE). The AHE algorithm is unsuitable for chest radiographs because it over-enhances noise, and introduces boundary artifacts. The modifications incorporated in ASAHE suppress the artifacts and allow processing of chest radiographs. This dissertation describes the psychophysical methods used to evaluate the effects of processing algorithms on human observer performance. An experiment conducted with anthropomorphic phantoms and simulated nodules showed the ASAHE algorithm to be superior for human detection of nodules when compared to a computed radiography system's algorithm that is in current use. An experiment conducted using clinical images demonstrating pneumothoraces (partial lung collapse) indicated no difference in human observer accuracy when ASAHE images were compared to computed radiography images, but greater ease of diagnosis when ASAHE images were used. These results provide evidence to suggest that Artifact-Suppressed Adaptive Histogram Equalization can be effective in increasing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Thesis (MSc (Radiography))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / Introduction: Forensic dentistry plays a key role in identifying human remains that cannot be identified visually or by other means. Studies have shown that in cases of single or multiple deaths, scientific identification of human remains utilising forensic dentistry is often the most successful source of identification. Dental identification of human remains consists of a very complex procedure that makes it necessary during the investigation process to use and compare unique dental identifiers. A reliable and accurate method of identifying human remains is a positive radiological identification between ante-mortem and post-mortem images of dental radiographic images. Even if ante-mortem radiographic images may not be present during the identification process, post-mortem images may include details of dental restorations such as dental implants which cannot be seen during visual examination. The different types of dental implants vary in morphology and in conjunction with the unique appearance of dental anatomy and the placement of custom restorations such as dental implants, it has been found to accurately assist in the identification of human remains. Objectives: To establish a radiographic dental implant guide for ten commonly used dental implant types in the Western Cape, South Africa; and to identify and describe the morphological characteristics of these dental implant types as observed on pantomographs. Methods: The ten commonly used dental implant types were imaged radiographically to create a reference instrument which served as a tool for identifying and comparing different types of dental implants. The morphologies of the different dental implants, specifically the apex, thread and neck, were observed on ante-mortem pantomographs and compared to the appearance of the dental implants on the reference instrument to make a positive match. The straight tube image of all ten dental implant types in the reference instrument was used as the point of reference to positively identify the morphological characteristics of each dental implant type on the pantomographs. The morphological characteristics of the ten commonly used dental implant types used in the Western Cape were described and based on this a radiographic dental implant guide was developed. Results: A total of 384 dental implants were observed on the pantomographs. Of these, 380 dental implants could be positively identified on the pantomographs while 4 dental implants could not. A total of 350 dental implants (91%) were identified as dental implant types listed in the reference instrument while 30 dental implants were identified as a dental implant type not listed in the reference instrument. A total of 208 dental implants (54.2%) could be positively identified using the morphological characteristics namely the apex, thread and neck on the straight tube images of the dental implant type in the reference instrument. The radiographic dental implant guide was developed based on positive identification of the morphological characteristics of the dental implant types. Conclusion: This research study has illustrated that the morphology of dental implants can be used to differentiate between different dental implant types on pantomographs. Each dental implant type had unique morphological characteristics as well as similarities which enabled distinction between the different dental implant types, which facilitated dental implant identification and the development of a radiographic dental implant guide. The radiographic dental implant guide developed as part of this research study, may be useful in the field of forensic dentistry and forensic radiology.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2003. / Title from title page screen (viewed Sept. 22, 2003). Thesis advisor: Dr. Richard Jantz. Document formatted into pages (vii, 56 p. : ill.). Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-55).

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.