In house developed software for CT and X-ray based image analysis. Current areas of interest are rigidity and fracture prediction in Vertebral Compression Fractures, and AI and X-ray based Osteoporotic Hip Fracture prediction.
Computer Tomography-based Rigidity Analysis (CTRA): Our lab has developed a bone fracture risk assessment technique called Computed Tomography-based Rigidity Analysis (CTRA). It utilizes the power of deep learning in image processing for precise 3D segmentation and reconstruction of bone to estimate vertebral axial (EA), bending (EI) and torsional (GJ) rigidities. CTRA allows for fracture prediction with high specificity and sensitivity. Software has been used on various patient populations with skeletal lesions.
AI Bone Tumor Segmentation and Classification: We are developing an image analysis software tool to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive musculoskeletal lesions. Using 3D segmentation of bone and lesion, automatic extraction of lesion-based features, and implementation of a machine learning approach, we aim to help physicians classify lesions with an automated classification system.
Screening of Vertebral Compression Fractures: Vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is the most common type of osteoporotic fracture and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Only 1/3 of VCFs are symptomatic, and the remaining cases are found incidentally, thus the need for more rigorous screening for VCF. This work centers around the development of a cloud-based platform for automatic, opportunistic screening of CT image studies that will flag the studies of patients detected to have osteoporosis or vertebra(e) at risk for fracture.
1. Nazarian A, Entezari V, Villa-Camacho JC, Zurakowski D, Katz JN, Hochman M, Baldini EH, Vartanians V, Rosen MP, Gebhardt MC, Terek RM, Damron TA, Yaszemski MJ, Snyder BD. Does CT-based Rigidity Analysis Influence Clinical Decision-making in Simulations of Metastatic Bone Disease? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 Mar;474(3):652-9. doi: 10.1007/s11999-015-4371-1. PMID: 26022114; PMCID: PMC4746188.
2. Nazarian A, Entezari V, Zurakowski D, Calderon N, Hipp JA, Villa-Camacho JC, Lin PP, Cheung FH, Aboulafia AJ, Turcotte R, Anderson ME, Gebhardt MC, Cheng EY, Terek RM, Yaszemski M, Damron TA, Snyder BD. Treatment Planning and Fracture Prediction in Patients with Skeletal Metastasis with CT-Based Rigidity Analysis. Clin Cancer Res. 2015 Jun 1;21(11):2514-9. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-14-2668. Epub 2015 Feb 27. PMID: 25724521; PMCID: PMC4452435.
3. Damron TA, Nazarian A, Entezari V, Brown C, Grant W, Calderon N, Zurakowski D, Terek RM, Anderson ME, Cheng EY, Aboulafia AJ, Gebhardt MC, Snyder BD. CT-based Structural Rigidity Analysis Is More Accurate Than Mirels Scoring for Fracture Prediction in Metastatic Femoral Lesions. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 Mar;474(3):643-51. doi: 10.1007/s11999-015-4453-0. PMID: 26169800; PMCID: PMC4746194.
4. Snyder BD, Cordio MA, Nazarian A, Kwak SD, Chang DJ, Entezari V, Zurakowski D, Parker LM. Noninvasive Prediction of Fracture Risk in Patients with Metastatic Cancer to the Spine. Clin Cancer Res. 2009 Dec 15;15(24):7676-7683. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-09-0420. PMID: 19996215.