Structure based classification of μ-CT images of human trabecular bone using local Minkowski Functionals

We analyse μ-CT tomographic images of human trabecular bone in vitro. We consider a sample consisting of 201 bone specimens harvested from six different skeletal sites within a narrow range of bone fraction values. Using the characterization of the trabecular bone network given by local Minkowski Functionals, we apply classification algorithms in order to reveal structural similarities in the sample. Clusters show some interesting specific structural features, like compact, porous, and fragmented structures. The contribution of the different skeletal sites to these clusters indicate some variability due to intrinsic structural differences of the specific skeletal site.

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