Image processing device and program

Abstract

To enable a doctor to easily and objectively grasp seriousness and progression of a disease.SOLUTION: A control unit 31 of an image processing device 3 acquires a dynamic image consisting of a plurality of frame images obtained by executing kymography of a radiation ray to a subject, measures information on a shape of a measurement object in at least two or more frame images of the plurality of frame images of the dynamic image upon designation of the measurement object in the dynamic image, and displays information on the shape of the two or more measurement objects that has been measured, in a display unit 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, manual examinations and still radiography (plain X-rays and stress X-rays) are used in most cases when diagnosing bones and joints. However, manual examinations rely on the subjective judgment of the evaluator, so the reproducibility of the evaluation is poor. In addition, still radiography does not reveal the actual timing or speed of displacement of bones and joints, making it difficult to analyze the cause of pain or grasp its severity.

[0003] Also, in large hospitals, there are cases where load imaging (imaging of a state in which a load is applied to the joint, such as when going up and down stairs) is performed using a fluoroscopy device, and the movement of the knee joint at that time is visually observed. However, quantitative analysis is not performed, and the objectivity is lacking. There are also problems with this method being unsuitable for practical use due to the fact that it is difficult to make an appointment with a fluoroscopy device, a doctor must be present and imaging cannot be performed easily, and positioning is difficult with a fluoroscopy device, so imaging in a standing position takes time.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for automatically extracting the bone axes of the femur and tibia of a knee joint from a fluoroscopic image of the lower limb and automatically calculating the femoro-tibial lateral angle (FTA). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5397873 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 only describes a method for automatically calculating the femoral-tibial lateral angle (FTA) from a fluoroscopic image of the lower limb. However, there is a demand for the ability to see the severity and progression of diseases such as bone compression fractures, etc. However, no method has been proposed that allows doctors to easily and objectively grasp the severity and progression of diseases such as bone compression fractures.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to enable doctors to easily and objectively grasp the severity and progression of a disease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the image processing device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image including a plurality of frame images obtained by performing dynamic radiography on a subject; a measurement unit that measures information regarding a shape of a measurement target in at least two or more frame images among the plurality of frame images; an output unit that outputs the result of measurement by the measurement unit; Equipped with the measurement target is a vertebra, The information regarding the shape of the measurement object includes at least one of the length between the front edge and the rear edge of the vertebral body of the vertebra, the area of ​​the vertebral body, and the angle between the upper side and the lower side of the vertebral body. 。

[0009] Claim 2 The invention described in claim 1 to In the described invention, The output unit outputs information regarding a time change in a shape of the measurement object.

[0010] Claim 3 The invention described in claim 1 Or claim 2 In the invention described in The output unit outputs information relating to the shape of the measurement target in association with a motion angle of the subject.

[0011] Claim4 The invention described in claim 1 to 3 In the invention according to any one of the above, The measurement target is a bone or a joint.

[0012] Claim 5 The invention described in claim 1 to 4 In the invention according to any one of the above, The information on the shape of the measurement target includes at least one of a length, an area, and an angle that represent the shape.

[0013] Claim 6 The invention described in claim 1 to 5 In the invention according to any one of the above, The information relating to the shape of the measurement object includes information relating to the difference between information relating to the shape of the measurement object in a first frame image of the multiple frame images and information relating to the shape of the measurement object in a second frame image.

[0014] Claim 7 The invention described in claim 1 to 6 In the invention according to any one of the above, a determination unit that determines whether or not the measurement object has an abnormality based on information about the shape of the measurement object; The device further includes a notification section that notifies the user when the determination section determines that an abnormality exists.

[0015] Claim 8 The invention described in claim 7 In the invention described in The determination unit further identifies a time when the abnormality occurred or a movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred, The notification unit further notifies the time when the abnormality occurred or the movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred.

[0017] Claim 9 The invention described in claim 1 is as follows: The dynamic image is an image obtained by dynamically photographing the subject while changing the subject's position from a retroflexed position to a forward-flexed position, The output unit further outputs a ratio of information relating to the shape of the measurement target in the anteflexion position and in the retroflexion position of the subject.

[0018] Claim 10 The invention described in claim 9 In the invention described in The output section further outputs the time or the motion angle of the subject at the timing when the rate of change of the leading edge of the vertebra is greatest.

[0019] Claim 11 The program of the invention described in Computer, an acquisition unit for acquiring a dynamic image consisting of a plurality of frame images obtained by performing dynamic radiography on a subject; a measurement unit that measures information regarding a shape of a measurement target in at least two or more frame images among the plurality of frame images; an output unit that outputs the result of measurement by the measurement unit; Functioning as a the measurement target is a vertebra, The information regarding the shape of the measurement object includes at least one of the length between the front edge and the rear edge of the vertebral body of the vertebra, the area of ​​the vertebral body, and the angle between the upper side and the lower side of the vertebral body. 。 Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it becomes possible for a doctor to easily and objectively grasp the severity and progression of a disease. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a radiation imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing device provided in the radiation imaging system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a measurement process executed by a control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A shows the deformation of a vertebral body when a vertebra is moved from a retroflexed position to an anteriorly flexed position in the early stages of a compression fracture, and FIG. 1B shows the deformation of a vertebral body when a vertebra is moved from a retroflexed position to an anteriorly flexed position in the advanced stages of a compression fracture. [Diagram 5] Graph (a) shows the change over time in information regarding the shape of a vertebra when the vertebra is moved from a retroflexed position to an anteriorly flexed position in the early stages of a compression fracture, and graph (b) shows the change over time in information regarding the shape of a vertebra when the vertebra is moved from a retroflexed position to an anteriorly flexed position in the advanced stages of a compression fracture. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram for explaining the movement angle of a subject when the measurement target is a lumbar vertebrae. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram for explaining the movement angle of a subject when the measurement target is a cervical vertebra. FIG. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of information about the shape of a measurement object when the measurement object is a fracture of a bone in the hand or a bone in the foot; [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram for explaining the movement angle of the subject when the measurement target is a fracture of the radius. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram for explaining the movement angle of a subject when the measurement target is a fractured finger. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram for explaining the movement angle of a subject when the measurement target is a broken leg. FIG. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the width and area of ​​cartilage when the measurement target is a knee joint. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram for explaining a movement angle of a subject when a measurement target is a knee joint. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows changes in the navicular bone of a normal wrist. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the CE angle and the Sharp angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and drawings.

[0023] <Configuration of Radiography System 100> First, a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0024] 1, a radiation imaging system 100 of this embodiment includes a radiation generating device 1, a radiation detector 2, an image processing device 3, and a server 4. These are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network N.

[0025] In addition, the radiation imaging system 100 may be capable of being connected to a hospital information system (HIS), a radiology information system (RIS), a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), etc., which are not shown in the figure.

[0026] Although not shown in the figure, the radiation generating device 1 includes a generator that applies a voltage according to preset radiation irradiation conditions (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time (mAs value), etc.) based on the operation of an irradiation instruction switch, and a radiation source that generates a dose of radiation (e.g., X-rays) according to the applied voltage when a voltage is applied from the generator. The radiation generating device 1 is adapted to generate radiation in a mode corresponding to a radiographic image to be captured (a dynamic image in this embodiment).

[0027] The radiation generating device 1 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be configured as a movable device called a mobile cart together with the image processing device 3 and the like.

[0028] Although not shown, the radiation detector 2 includes a substrate on which pixels are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix), the pixels having radiation detection elements that generate an electric charge according to the radiation dose when exposed to radiation and switching elements that store and release the electric charge, a scanning circuit that switches each switching element on / off, a readout circuit that reads out the amount of electric charge released from each pixel as a signal value, a control unit that generates a radiographic image from the multiple signal values ​​read out by the readout circuit, and an output unit that outputs data of the generated radiographic image to the outside, etc. The radiation detector 2 is configured to generate a radiation image in accordance with the irradiated radiation in synchronization with the timing at which radiation is irradiated from the radiation generating device 1.

[0029] The radiation detector 2 may have a built-in scintillator or the like, which converts the irradiated radiation into light of another wavelength, such as visible light, and generates an electric charge according to the converted light (a so-called indirect type), or it may generate an electric charge directly from the radiation without going through a scintillator or the like (a so-called direct type). Moreover, the radiation detector 2 may be a dedicated type integrated with an imaging stand, or may be a portable type (cassette type).

[0030] The image processing device 3 is composed of a PC, a dedicated device, or the like. The image processing device 3 may be a console that sets various shooting conditions (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time (mAs value), frame rate, subject's physique, presence or absence of a grid, etc.) in the radiation generator 1, the radiation detector 2, etc., based on shooting order information obtained from other systems (HIS, RIS, etc.) and operations by the user. The image processing device 3 will be described in detail later.

[0031] Server 4 is composed of a PC, a dedicated device, a virtual server on the cloud, etc. The server 4 also has a database (DB) 41 . The database 41 is capable of storing dynamic images generated by the radiation detector 2 and the processing results of the image processing device 3. In this embodiment, the database 41 is provided in a server 4 independent of the image processing device 3, etc., but the database 41 may be provided in the image processing device 3 or in another device included in the radiation imaging system 100. Furthermore, when another system such as a PACS is connected to the radiation imaging system 100, the imaging device 100 may be provided within the other system.

[0032] The radiation imaging system 100 according to this embodiment configured as described above has the radiation source of the radiation generating device 1 and the radiation detector 2 disposed opposite each other with a gap therebetween, and is capable of performing a radiation imaging of a subject by irradiating the subject disposed between them with radiation from the radiation source. In this embodiment, dynamic imaging is performed in which irradiation of pulsed radiation from the radiation source and generation of images by the radiation detector 2 are repeated multiple times in a short period of time (e.g., 15 times per second) for each imaging operation to generate multiple images showing the dynamics of the subject. A series of images obtained by dynamic imaging is called a dynamic image. Each of the multiple images constituting a dynamic image is called a frame image. Note that dynamic imaging may involve continuously irradiating radiation from the radiation source at a low dose rate without interruption for a predetermined period of time (continuous irradiation), during which multiple frame images are generated by the radiation detector 2.

[0033] <Configuration of image processing device 3> Next, a specific configuration of the image processing device 3 included in the radiation imaging system 100 will be described.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 3 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit , and an operation unit . The units 31 to 35 are electrically connected to each other via a bus or the like. Note that the image processing device 3 may not be provided with the display unit 34 or the operation unit 35, and may instead be connected to a display device (such as a tablet terminal) that includes a display unit and an operation unit.

[0035] The control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory ) etc. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 33, loads them in the RAM, executes various processes according to the loaded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the image processing device 3. The control unit 31 also executes measurement processes, which will be described later, in cooperation with the programs stored in the storage unit 33, and functions as an acquisition unit and a measurement unit.

[0036] The communication unit 32 is composed of a communication module and the like. The communication unit 32 communicates with other devices (such as the radiation detector 2) connected via a communication network N (such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc.). It is configured to transmit and receive various signals and various data between the device and the computer.

[0037] The storage unit 33 is composed of a non-volatile semi-dynamic memory, a hard disk, or the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 33 stores various programs executed by the control unit 31, parameters required for executing the programs, and the like. The storage unit 33 may be capable of storing radiation images.

[0038] The display unit 34 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like. The display unit 34 displays dynamic images, measurement results, and the like based on a control signal input from the control unit 31. The display unit 34 functions as an output unit and a notification unit.

[0039] The operation unit 35 is configured to be operable by a user using a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch panel laminated on the surface of the display device, etc. The operation unit 35 outputs a control signal to the control unit 31 in response to an operation performed by the user.

[0040] The control unit 31 of the image processing device 3 configured in this manner has a function of executing the measurement process shown in FIG. 3 when, for example, a predetermined start operation is performed.

[0041] <Operation> Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 will be described. First, dynamic imaging of a subject is performed using the radiation generating device 1 and the radiation detector 2 to obtain a dynamic image consisting of a plurality of frame images. Examples of the subject include diseased bones and joints such as the cervical vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, limb bones, knee joints, hip joints, elbow joints, wrist joints, and ankle joints. Dynamic imaging is performed, for example, while moving the subject or applying stress (load) to the subject.

[0042] Each frame image of a dynamic image generated by the radiation detector 2 through dynamic imaging is accompanied by information such as an identification ID for identifying the dynamic image, patient information, examination information (imaging site, radiation irradiation conditions, image reading conditions, number indicating imaging order (frame number)) (for example, written in the header area of ​​the image data in DICOM format) and is sequentially transmitted to the image processing device 3. Note that the frame images of the dynamic image may be transmitted to the image processing device 3 all at once.

[0043] In the image processing device 3, the measurement process shown in Fig. 3 is performed on the dynamic image transmitted by the radiation detector 2, and information on the shape of the measurement target is measured and output. The measurement process is performed by cooperation between the control unit 31 and a program stored in the storage unit 33. The measurement process will be described below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0044] First, the control unit 31 acquires a dynamic image transmitted from the radiation detector 2 (step S1).

[0045] Next, the control unit 31 receives a designation of a measurement target for shape-related information (step S2). For example, the control unit 31 displays options of structures to be measured on the display unit 34 and accepts the designation of the measurement target by the user's operation of the operation unit 35. Examples of the measurement targets include structures such as the cervical vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, shoulder joints, elbow joints, bones of the hand (radius, navicular bone, metacarpal bones, etc.), wrist joints, hip joints, knee joints, bones of the foot (talus, calcaneus, metatarsal bones, etc.), and ankle joints. When it is not possible to identify which bones of the hand or foot are involved, the bones of the hand or foot may be roughly designated as the bones of the hand or foot. The control unit 31 may also automatically designate the measurement target based on the imaging order information. When a measurement target having multiple types of diseases is designated, the control unit 31 may display options of diseases on the display unit 34 after the measurement target is designated, and accept the designation of the disease by the operation unit 35.

[0046] Next, the control unit 31 measures information about the shape of the measurement target in two or more frame images of the dynamic image (step S3). The frame images to be measured (on which measurement is performed) may be all the frame images of the dynamic image, or may be frame images at a predetermined interval, or may be two or more predetermined frame images. The information on the shape of the measurement object includes at least one of the length, area, and angle of a predetermined portion that represents the shape of the measurement object. In addition, a difference may be calculated between the information on the shape of the measurement object measured in each frame image where the measurement is performed and the information on the shape of the measurement object measured in a predetermined frame image (for example, the first frame image), a frame image that is temporally adjacent to each frame image where the measurement is performed, or a frame image that is separated by a predetermined number of frames, and the calculated difference may be used as the information on the shape of the measurement object.

[0047] Then, the control unit 31 displays (outputs) information regarding the shape of the measurement target on the display unit 34 (step S4), and ends the measurement process.

[0048] In step S4, for example, numerical values ​​of information regarding the shape of the measurement target are displayed in association with the elapsed time from the start of imaging and frame numbers. This allows the doctor to grasp changes in the shape of the measurement target, which are difficult to notice when interpreting dynamic images, as numerical values, making it possible to easily and objectively grasp whether the measurement target has a disease, and if so, the severity and progression of the disease. This also reduces the time required for diagnosis. Alternatively, a graph may be displayed in which information about the shape of the measurement object is plotted on a graph with the information about the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the elapsed time (or frame number) from the start of imaging on the horizontal axis, which makes it easier for doctors to understand the presence or absence of a disease and its condition.

[0049] Furthermore, information indicating the degree to which the subject must be moved before a change occurs in the shape of the measurement object (when an abnormality occurs) is useful for diagnosis, determining treatment, confirming the effectiveness of treatment, providing lifestyle guidance, etc. Therefore, a numerical value of the information on the shape of the measurement object may be displayed in correspondence with the movement angle of the subject. Alternatively, a graph may be displayed in which the information on the shape of the measurement object is plotted on a graph with the information on the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the movement angle of the subject on the horizontal axis.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the measurement target based on information about the shape of the measurement target, and when it is determined that there is an abnormality, cause the display unit 34 to display notification information notifying that fact. For example, the control unit 31 may compare information about the shape of the measurement target measured from each frame image with a predetermined threshold, and determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the measurement target based on the comparison result. When it is determined that there is an abnormality, the control unit 31 may specify the time when the abnormality occurred (or the movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred) based on the comparison result of information about the shape of the measurement target measured from each frame image with a predetermined threshold, and notify the time when the abnormality occurred or the movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred.

[0051] Hereinafter, information regarding the shape of the measurement target and a method for outputting the information will be described with specific examples.

[0052] (When the measurement target is a vertebra) When a compression fracture occurs in a vertebra such as the cervical or lumbar vertebrae, the weakened bone is crushed and deformed when weight is applied. In the posterior bending position, there is little or no bone deformation because there is little weight applied, but in the anterior bending position, weight is applied and the bone is deformed. In the early stages of a compression fracture, the bone on the anterior edge becomes brittle, and as shown in Figure 4(a), the anterior edge of the vertebral body is crushed and deformed in the anterior bending position where weight is applied to the anterior edge of the vertebral body. As the disease progresses, the entire vertebral body becomes brittle and is crushed overall in the anterior bending position, as shown in Figure 4(b). Furthermore, as the disease progresses, the timing of deformation of the vertebral body becomes earlier.

[0053] Therefore, when the measurement target is a vertebra such as the cervical or lumbar vertebra, the radiographer places the subject between the radiation generator 1 and the radiation detector 2, and performs dynamic radiography of the side while changing the bending angle of the subject (in this embodiment, while changing from a posterior bending position to an anterior bending position) to obtain a dynamic image. In the image processing device 3, when the dynamic image is received and a vertebra such as the cervical or lumbar vertebra is specified as the measurement target, the control unit 31 recognizes the vertebral body in two or more frame images of the dynamic image by image processing such as edge detection, and measures at least one of the lengths of the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body, the area of ​​the vertebral body, and the angle θ between the upper and lower edges of the vertebral body (see FIG. 4(a)) as information regarding the shape of the measurement target. The lengths of the upper and lower edges of the vertebral body may also be included. In addition, a difference may be calculated between information regarding the shape of the measurement object measured in each frame image where measurement is performed and information regarding the shape of the measurement object measured in a specified frame image (for example, the first frame image), a frame image temporally adjacent to each frame image where measurement is performed, or a frame image separated in time by a specified number of frames, and the calculated difference may be used as information regarding the shape of the measurement object. The information on the shape of the vertebrae from which the vertebral body of the vertebrae among the plurality of vertebrae is measured may be determined in advance, for example, the vertebral body of the 0th cervical vertebra if the measurement target is the cervical vertebrae, and the vertebral body of the △th lumbar vertebra if the measurement target is the lumbar vertebrae. Alternatively, a frame image in which the vertebral bodies are recognized may be displayed on the display unit 34, and information on the shape of the measurement target may be measured from a vertebral body selected by the operation unit 35. Alternatively, information on the shape of the measurement target may be measured for all vertebral bodies. Then, the time change of the information on the shape of the measurement target is displayed on the display unit 34.

[0054] As a method of displaying information regarding the shape of the measurement object, for example, numerical values ​​of the information regarding the shape of the measurement object may be displayed in correspondence with the elapsed time since the start of shooting or the frame number, or a graph may be displayed in which the information regarding the shape of the measurement object is plotted on a graph with the information regarding the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the elapsed time (or frame number) since the start of shooting on the horizontal axis.

[0055] For example, when dynamic imaging is performed while changing the subject from a posterior bending position to an anterior bending position, if there is no compression fracture, the length of the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body, the area of ​​the vertebral body, and the angle between the upper and lower edges of the vertebral body hardly change even when the subject changes from a posterior bending position to an anteflex position. However, if there is an early compression fracture, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the anterior edge is crushed when the subject is in an anteflexed position, and as shown in FIG. 5(a), the length of the anterior edge (anterior edge length) and the area of ​​the vertebral body become smaller from a certain point (t1) in the anteflexed position in the graph of the information on the shape of the measurement object. The length of the posterior edge (posterior edge length) does not change. On the other hand, when the symptoms progress to a severe condition, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the entire vertebra is crushed when the subject is in an anteflexed position, and as shown in FIG. 5(b), the length of the anterior edge (anterior edge length), the area of ​​the vertebral body, and the length of the posterior edge (posterior edge length) all become smaller from a certain point (t2) in the anteflexed position in the graph of the information on the shape of the measurement object. As the condition progresses and becomes more severe, even a slight forward bending causes the vertebral body to collapse, so the graph shows changes at an earlier time and the magnitude of the changes also becomes greater. By referring to the changes over time in information about the shape of the measurement object, doctors can easily and objectively determine whether a compression fracture has occurred, as well as the severity and progression of the compression fracture.

[0056] Furthermore, information indicating the angle at which the subject is bent forward at which the shape of the vertebrae changes (or an abnormality occurs) is useful for diagnosing compression fractures, determining treatment, and confirming the effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, the control unit 31 may measure the flexion angle as the motion angle of the subject from each frame image of the measurement subject together with information on the shape of the measurement subject, and display information on the shape of the measurement subject in association with the flexion angle, for example. For example, information on the shape of the measurement subject is displayed as a numerical value in association with the flexion angle. Alternatively, information on the measured shape of the measurement subject is plotted and displayed on a graph with information on the shape of the measurement subject on the vertical axis and the flexion angle on the horizontal axis. This allows the doctor to easily and objectively grasp at what angle the subject is bent forward at which symptoms appear.

[0057] Here, when the measurement target is the lumbar vertebrae, the flexion angle is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, an arbitrary vertical line in the frame image (here, a line parallel to the vertical direction of the image) is set as the reference line L1, and a line passing through the center of the first lumbar vertebral body (the intersection of a line passing through the front end of the upper edge and the rear end of the lower edge of the vertebral body, and a line passing through the rear end of the upper edge and the front end of the lower edge) and the midpoint of a line segment passing through the centers of both femoral heads is set as the target line L2, and the angle formed by the reference line L1 and the target line L2 is set. A positive value indicates anterior inclination from the reference line L1. Alternatively, a straight line passing through the first thoracic vertebral spinous process and the fifth lumbar vertebral spinous process may be set as the target line L2. Alternatively, a straight line passing through any two points of the lumbar vertebrae specified by the user by the operation unit 35 on the dynamic image may be set as the target line L2.

[0058] When the measurement target is the cervical vertebrae, the flexion angle is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, an arbitrary vertical line in the frame image (here, a line parallel to the vertical direction of the image) is set as the reference line L1, a straight line connecting the posterior edge of the odontoid process (upper end) and the center of the C7 vertebral body (lower end) is set as the target line L2, and the angle between the reference line L1 and the target line L2 is set. A positive value indicates anterior inclination from the reference line L1. The reference line L1 may be a vertical line passing through the center of the C7 vertebral body. Alternatively, the target line L2 may be a straight line passing through any two points of the cervical vertebrae specified by the user using the operation unit 35 on the dynamic image.

[0059] The control unit 31 may also determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the measurement target based on information about the shape of the measurement target, and when it is determined that there is an abnormality, display notification information notifying that fact on the display unit 34. For example, the control unit 31 may compare information about the shape of the measurement target measured from each frame image with a predetermined threshold, and determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the measurement target based on the comparison result. When it is determined that there is an abnormality, the control unit 31 may specify the time when the abnormality occurred or the movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred based on the comparison result of information about the shape of the measurement target measured from each frame image with a predetermined threshold, and notify the time when the abnormality occurred or the movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred. This allows the doctor to more easily and objectively grasp whether or not there is an abnormality (compression fracture) in the vertebrae that are the measurement target, and the timing (time or flexion angle) at which the symptoms of the abnormality appear.

[0060] The control unit 31 may also calculate a ratio of information about the shape of the measurement target in the anteflexed position (the most anteflexed state) and the retroflexed position (the most retroflexed state) and display the ratio on the display unit 34. This makes it possible to more easily and objectively grasp the severity and progression of the compression fracture.

[0061] The control unit 31 may also specify the timing at which the rate of change of the leading edge with the adjacent frame image is the largest, and output the time or flexion angle of that timing to the display unit 34. This makes it possible to grasp the severity and progression of the compression fracture more easily and objectively.

[0062] (When the measurement target is a hand or foot bone (fracture)) Fractures with slight cracks are difficult to detect in radiological images because there is almost no change in the shape of the bone. However, when the bone is moved, the fractured part shifts or opens at a certain point, making it possible to detect such abnormalities in radiological images. It is difficult to take still radiological images at the moment when the bone shifts or opens, but by taking dynamic images while moving the bone, there are times when stress is applied to the fractured part, and it is possible to obtain radiological images of the bone shifting more significantly or the fracture opening at that time. In addition, by applying stress (load) to the fractured part and performing dynamic imaging, it becomes easier to observe the displacement or gap (the amount of displacement or gap will become larger, or the displacement will occur for a long time). When performing dynamic imaging while applying stress, there are cases where dynamic imaging is performed while applying a certain stress value (fixed value) and moving the bone, cases where dynamic imaging is performed multiple times while changing the stress value to apply a certain stress value and move the bone, and cases where the bone movement is fixed and dynamic imaging is performed while gradually applying stress. With each case, it is possible to see the level of stress that causes abnormalities and the level of displacement.

[0063] Therefore, the person who performs the imaging places a subject between the radiation generating device 1 and the radiation detector 2, and performs dynamic imaging while moving and / or applying stress to the bone of the measurement target to obtain a dynamic image. In the image processing device 3, when the dynamic image is received and a bone of the hand or a bone of the foot is specified as the measurement target, the control unit 31 recognizes the measurement target in two or more frame images of the dynamic image by image processing such as edge detection, and measures at least one of the length of deviation (step) from a straight line of the edge of the bone of the measurement target (see arrow in FIG. 8(a)) and the width or length of a depression (gap due to a fracture) (see arrow in FIG. 8(b)) as information on the shape of the measurement target. In addition, a difference between information on the shape of the measurement target measured in each frame image for measurement and information on the shape of the measurement target measured in a predetermined frame image (for example, the first frame image), a frame image temporally adjacent to each frame image for measurement, or a frame image separated by a predetermined number of frames in time may be calculated, and the calculated difference may be used as information on the shape of the measurement target. Then, information relating to the shape of the measurement target measured from the multiple frame images is displayed on the display unit 34.

[0064] As a method of displaying information on the shape of the measurement object, for example, a numerical value of the information on the shape of the measurement object may be displayed in correspondence with the elapsed time from the start of imaging or a frame number, or a graph may be displayed in which the information on the shape of the measurement object is plotted on a graph with the information on the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the elapsed time from the start of imaging (or frame number) on the horizontal axis. By referring to such changes over time in the information on the shape of the measurement object, a doctor can easily and objectively grasp whether a fracture has occurred and the severity and progress of the fracture.

[0065] Furthermore, information indicating how much the subject needs to be moved before a change occurs in the shape of the subject (when an abnormality occurs) is useful for diagnosing a fracture, determining treatment, and confirming the effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, when imaging is performed while moving a subject including a measurement target, the control unit 31 may measure the movement angle of the subject together with information on the shape of the measurement target from each frame image of the measurement target, and display information on the shape of the measurement target in association with the movement angle. For example, information on the shape of the measurement target is displayed as a numerical value in association with the movement angle. Alternatively, information on the measured shape of the measurement target is plotted and displayed on a graph with information on the shape of the measurement target on the vertical axis and the movement angle on the horizontal axis.

[0066] Here, when the measurement target is a fracture of the radius, dynamic imaging is performed while the hand is moving in flexion and ulnar flexion. In this case, the motion angle (flexion angle) of the subject is, for example, the line passing through the center of the radius in the frame image as a reference line L1, and the line passing through the center of the metacarpal bone of the middle finger as an object line L2, and the angle between the reference line L1 and the object line L2 is defined as the angle. The flexion side of the reference line L1 is expressed as a positive value, and the ulnar flexion side as a negative value. When the hand is photographed from the front, it is easy to distinguish between flexion and ulnar flexion and to find the flexion angle, as shown in Figure 9(a), but it is also possible to measure the flexion angle by photographing the hand from the side, as shown in Figure 9(b).

[0067] For example, when the measurement subject is a finger, dynamic photography is performed from the side while bending the fractured finger. This is because when the finger is bent, it is possible to observe that the fractured part opens and shifts due to the pulling of the tendon (muscle). In this case, the motion angle (bending angle) of the subject is determined as the smaller angle between the reference line L1 and the target line L2, where the line passing through the center of the proximal bone (closer to the palm) of the fractured bone and the bone next to it is the reference line L1, as shown in FIG. 10, and the line passing through the center of the distal bone (fingertip side) is the target line L2.

[0068] For example, when the measurement target is a foot bone, dynamic imaging is performed from the side while bending and straightening the ankle. In this case, the motion angle (flexion angle) of the subject is determined as the larger of the angles between the reference line L1 and the target line L2, where the line passing through the center of the tibia is set as the reference line L1 and the line passing through the center of the talus is set as the target line L2, as shown in FIG.

[0069] Alternatively, regardless of the measurement subject, the user may specify a reference line L1 and a target line L2 on the dynamic image using the operation unit 35, and the angle between the specified reference line and target line may be regarded as the motion angle of the subject.

[0070] Furthermore, when the measurement object is photographed while being subjected to stress, the control unit 31 may display information about the shape of the measurement object in association with the stress value applied. For example, the information about the shape of the measurement object is displayed as a numerical value in association with the stress value. Alternatively, the information about the measured shape of the measurement object is plotted and displayed on a graph with the information about the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the stress value on the horizontal axis.

[0071] In this way, by displaying information about the shape of the measurement target in correspondence with the movement angle and stress value of the subject, doctors can easily and objectively grasp not only the presence or absence of a fracture, but also the extent to which symptoms appear when the subject is moved (or when a certain amount of stress is applied). As a result, it becomes possible to diagnose a fracture, and it becomes possible to grasp the degree of healing during follow-up observation after treatment from the size of the bone displacement or indentation. In addition, if a certain amount of movement or stress causes a displacement, it is possible to instruct the patient to limit exercise in daily life (for example, bending more than ... will cause the fractured part that is almost healed to become displaced), and to prevent the symptoms from worsening.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may determine that there is an abnormality and notify the user when information about the shape of the measurement target measured in each frame image (for example, the width or length of a step or a bone depression) exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, 0). Furthermore, the control unit 31 may specify the time, flexion angle, or stress value at which the abnormality occurred, and notify the user of the time, flexion angle, or stress value at which the abnormality occurred. This enables a doctor to more easily and objectively determine whether or not an abnormality (fracture) has occurred in the bone being measured, and the timing (time, flexion angle, or stress value) at which symptoms of the abnormality will appear.

[0073] (When measuring knee joints, elbow joints, or hip joints (osteoarthritis)) Osteoarthritis is a disease in which cartilage, a component of joints such as knee joints, elbow joints, and hip joints, wears away, causing significant deformation of the joints. Since cartilage cannot be seen in radiological images, osteoarthritis is evaluated by measuring the gap between bones as cartilage. Usually, the distance between bones (joint space) is used as the width of cartilage, but cartilage is three-dimensional, so there are thick and thin areas. Therefore, the joint is moved at a certain angle, and the integrated value of the width (length) of the cartilage or the cartilage area over time is an index of the entire cartilage. The extent of this value and the degree to which it has decreased are important indicators of the severity and progression of osteoarthritis.

[0074] Therefore, the person who performs the imaging places a subject between the radiation generating device 1 and the radiation detector 2, and performs dynamic imaging while moving the joint of the measurement target to obtain a dynamic image. In the image processing device 3, when the dynamic image is received and a joint such as a knee joint, an elbow joint, or a hip joint is specified as the measurement target, the control unit 31 recognizes the measurement target by image processing such as edge detection in two or more frame images of the dynamic image, and measures the distance between the bones in the joint of the measurement target, the area between the bones (cartilage area) or its time integral value (may be the integration of the area or the average over time) as information on the shape of the measurement target. In addition, since the timing when the cartilage area is smallest is considered to be the timing most related to pain, the smallest cartilage area may be used as information on the shape of the measurement target. In addition, a difference between information on the shape of the measurement target measured in each frame image where the measurement is performed and information on the shape of the measurement target measured in a predetermined frame image (for example, the first frame image), a frame image temporally adjacent to each frame image where the measurement is performed, or a frame image separated by a predetermined number of frames in time may be calculated, and the calculated difference may be used as information on the shape of the measurement target.

[0075] As an example, when the measurement target is a knee joint, the shortest distance between the lateral condyle of the femur and the lateral condyle of the tibia, or the shortest distance between the medial condyle of the femur and the medial condyle of the tibia, is measured as the distance between the bones (see the arrows in FIG. 12). Also, as the area of ​​the cartilage, for example, in the case of a side image, tangent lines are drawn between the femur and the tibia, and the area surrounded by the two tangent lines and the lateral condyle of the femur and the lateral condyle of the tibia (or the medial condyle of the femur and the medial condyle of the tibia) (the area surrounded by the dotted line and the dashed line in FIG. 12). In the case of a front image, tangent lines are drawn between the femur and the tibia, and the area surrounded by the two tangent lines and the lateral condyle of the femur and the lateral condyle of the tibia, or the medial condyle of the femur and the medial condyle of the tibia, is measured. Then, information on the shape of the measurement target measured from the multiple frame images is displayed on the display unit 34.

[0076] As a method of displaying information on the shape of the measurement object, for example, a numerical value of the information on the shape of the measurement object may be displayed in correspondence with the elapsed time from the start of imaging or a frame number, or a graph may be displayed in which the information on the shape of the measurement object is plotted on a graph with the information on the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the elapsed time from the start of imaging (or frame number) on the horizontal axis. By referring to such changes over time in the information on the shape of the measurement object, a doctor can easily and objectively grasp whether or not the patient has osteoarthritis and the severity and progression of osteoarthritis.

[0077] Furthermore, information indicating how much the subject needs to be moved before a change (abnormality) occurs in the shape of the subject is useful for diagnosing osteoarthritis, determining treatment, and confirming the effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, the control unit 31 may measure the motion angle of the subject together with information about the shape of the measurement object from each frame image of the measurement object, and display information about the shape of the measurement object in association with the motion angle. For example, information about the shape of the measurement object is displayed as a numerical value in association with the motion angle. Alternatively, the measured information about the shape of the measurement object is plotted and displayed on a graph with information about the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the motion angle on the horizontal axis.

[0078] Here, for example, when the measurement target is a knee joint, dynamic imaging is performed while bending the knee. The knee may be imaged from the front or side, but when information on the shape of the measurement target is displayed in association with the motion angle (bending angle) of the subject, it is preferable to image from the side. This is because it is easier to grasp the bending angle. In this case, the motion angle (bending angle) of the subject is set to the smaller angle between the reference line L1 and the target line L2, where the line passing through the center of the femur in the frame image is set as the reference line L1 and the line passing through the center of the tibia is set as the target line L2, as shown in FIG. 13, for example. Alternatively, the user may specify the reference line L1 and the target line L2 on the dynamic image using the operation unit 35, and the angle between the specified reference line L1 and the target line L2 may be set as the motion angle of the subject.

[0079] In this way, by displaying information on the shape of the measurement object in correspondence with the movement angle of the object, the doctor can easily and objectively grasp how much the cartilage shrinks depending on how much the object is moved. As a result, it is possible to diagnose osteoarthritis, and it is possible to grasp the degree of healing during follow-up observation from the width and area of ​​the cartilage. Furthermore, when the information on the shape of the measurement object is the cartilage area, the doctor can easily grasp the cartilage area when it is at its smallest, and therefore the doctor can easily grasp the timing most related to pain.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may determine that there is an abnormality and notify the user when information about the shape of the measurement target measured in each frame image (for example, the distance between bones, the area between bones (cartilage area), or its time integral value) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the control unit 31 may specify the time or flexion angle at which the abnormality occurred, and notify the user of the time or the motion angle of the subject at which the abnormality occurred. This enables a doctor to more easily and objectively determine whether or not an abnormality (osteoarthritis) has occurred in the measurement subject, and the timing at which symptoms of the abnormality will appear.

[0081] (When the measurement target is the wrist) For example, when the hand is flexed and flexed (turned left and right), the navicular bone (shown in Figure 14 surrounded by a dashed line circle) rotates, causing the shape to change as shown in Figure 14. Most of the other bones only move and do not change shape. The navicular bone of the wrist moves as described above if the ligaments are normal, but if the ligaments are damaged and the pulling force is reduced, the navicular bone will not rotate and its shape (for example, the length shown by the arrow in Figure 14) will not change. The degree of ligament damage can be diagnosed from the degree of this change in shape.

[0082] Therefore, the person performing the imaging places a subject between the radiation generating device 1 and the radiation detector 2, and performs dynamic imaging while moving the hand in flexion and ulnar flexion to obtain a dynamic image. When the image processing device 3 receives the dynamic image and specifies the wrist joint as the measurement target, the control unit 31 recognizes the measurement target in two or more frame images of the dynamic image by image processing such as edge detection, and measures at least one of the length, width, and area of ​​the navicular bone as information on the shape of the measurement target. In addition, a difference between information on the shape of the measurement target measured in each frame image for which measurement is performed and information on the shape of the measurement target measured in a predetermined frame image (for example, the first frame image), a frame image temporally adjacent to each frame image for which measurement is performed, or a frame image separated by a predetermined number of frames in time may be calculated, and the calculated difference may be used as information on the shape of the measurement target. Then, information on the shape of the measurement target measured from the multiple frame images is displayed on the display unit 34.

[0083] As a method of displaying the information on the shape of the measurement object, for example, the numerical value of the information on the shape of the measurement object may be displayed in correspondence with the elapsed time from the start of imaging or the frame number, or a graph may be displayed in which the information on the shape of the measurement object is plotted on a graph with the information on the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the elapsed time from the start of imaging (or the frame number) on the horizontal axis. By referring to such changes over time in the information on the shape of the measurement object, the doctor can easily grasp whether or not ligament damage has occurred and the extent of the damage.

[0084] Furthermore, when shooting while moving the subject, the control unit 31 may measure the movement angle of the subject from each frame image of the measurement target together with information on the shape of the measurement target, and display the information on the shape of the measurement target in association with the movement angle. For example, the information on the shape of the measurement target may be displayed as a numerical value in association with the movement angle. Alternatively, the measured information on the shape of the measurement target may be plotted and displayed on a graph with the information on the shape of the measurement target on the vertical axis and the movement angle on the horizontal axis.

[0085] When the measurement subject is the wrist, dynamic imaging is performed while the hand is flexed and flexed. The subject's motion angle (flexion angle) is the angle between the reference line L1 and the target line L2, with the line passing through the center of the radius as the reference line L1 and the line passing through the center of the metacarpal bone of the middle finger as the target line L2, as shown in Figure 9(a), for example. The flexion side of the reference line L1 is expressed as a positive value, and the ulnar flexion side as a negative value. Alternatively, the user may specify a reference line L1 and a target line L2 on the dynamic image using the operation unit 35, and the angle between the specified reference line and the target line may be regarded as the motion angle of the subject.

[0086] In this way, by displaying information about the shape of the measurement target in association with the movement angle of the subject, doctors can easily and objectively grasp how much the shape of the navicular bone changes (or does not change) depending on how much the subject moves. As a result, it becomes possible to diagnose ligament damage and to grasp the degree of healing during follow-up observation.

[0087] In addition, the control unit 31 may determine that there is an abnormality (ligament damage) and notify the user if the difference between information regarding the shape of the measurement object measured in each frame image of the measurement object (e.g., the length, width, or area of ​​the navicular bone) and information regarding the shape of the measurement object measured in the first frame image is below a predetermined threshold. This allows the doctor to more easily and objectively determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the measurement target.

[0088] (When the measurement target is the hip joint (acetabular dysplasia (acetabular dysplasia)) When the acetabular lateral superior edge is shallow and the CE angle (Center-Edge angle) is 20 degrees or less, it is judged to be acetabular dysplasia. Here, the CE angle is the angle between the perpendicular line passing through the center of the femoral head and the line connecting the center of the femoral head and the acetabular lateral superior edge (lateral edge of the acetabulum) as shown in Figure 15. If this acetabular dysplasia is severe, it will develop into osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Acetabular dysplasia is diagnosed by whether or not the "gap (joint space)" of the hip joint is narrowed. It can be diagnosed by taking dynamic images of the hip joint and measuring the area and distance (spacing) of the "gap (joint space)" of the hip joint in two or more frame images, but it is also possible to more accurately estimate the progression of the condition by measuring the dynamic CE angle as an extension of the conventional indicator.

[0089] Therefore, the person performing the imaging places the subject (hip joint) between the radiation generating device 1 and the radiation detector 2, and performs dynamic imaging while moving the hip joint to obtain a dynamic image. In the image processing device 3, when the dynamic image is received and the hip joint (acetabular dysplasia) is specified as the measurement target, the control unit 31 recognizes the measurement target in two or more frame images of the dynamic image by image processing such as edge detection, and measures the area, distance (spacing), or CE angle of the hip joint as information on the shape of the measurement target. In addition, a difference between information on the shape of the measurement target measured in each frame image for which the measurement is performed and information on the shape of the measurement target measured in a predetermined frame image (for example, the first frame image), a frame image temporally adjacent to each frame image for which the measurement is performed, or a frame image separated by a predetermined number of frames in time may be calculated, and the calculated difference may be used as information on the shape of the measurement target. Then, the information on the shape of the measurement target measured from the multiple frame images is displayed on the display unit 34.

[0090] As a method of displaying information on the shape of the measurement object, for example, a numerical value of the information on the shape of the measurement object may be displayed in correspondence with the elapsed time from the start of imaging or a frame number, or a graph may be displayed in which the information on the shape of the measurement object is plotted on a graph with the information on the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the elapsed time from the start of imaging (or the frame number) on the horizontal axis. By referring to such changes over time in the information on the shape of the measurement object, a doctor can easily and objectively grasp whether or not there is acetabular dysplasia, and the severity and progress of acetabular dysplasia.

[0091] Alternatively, the control unit 31 may measure the Sharp angle as the motion angle of the subject together with information on the shape of the measurement object from each frame image of the measurement object, and display the information on the shape of the measurement object in association with the Sharp angle. As shown in FIG. 15, the Sharp angle is the angle between the line connecting the lower edge of the teardrop and the outer upper edge of the acetabulum and the horizontal line (the line connecting the lower edges of the left and right teardrops). For example, the information on the shape of the measurement object is displayed as a numerical value in association with the Sharp angle. Alternatively, the measured information on the shape of the measurement object is plotted and displayed on a graph with the information on the shape of the measurement object on the vertical axis and the Sharp angle on the horizontal axis.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may determine that there is an abnormality and notify the user when information about the shape of the measurement target measured in each frame image (e.g., CE angle) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, the control unit 31 may specify the time or Sharp angle at which the abnormality occurred and notify the user of the time or Sharp angle at which the abnormality occurred. This allows the doctor to more easily and objectively determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the hip joint, and the timing at which the abnormality will occur.

[0093] The severity and progression of acetabular dysplasia can also be estimated by measuring the Sharp angle. Therefore, the Sharp angle may be measured as information on the shape of the measurement target, and the Sharp angle may be displayed in association with the elapsed time from the start of imaging (or the frame number) or the CE angle.

[0094] As described above, the control unit 31 of the image processing device 3 acquires a dynamic image consisting of multiple frame images obtained by performing dynamic radiation photography on a subject, and when a measurement target in the dynamic image is specified, information regarding the shape of the measurement target in at least two or more of the multiple frame images of the dynamic image is measured, and the measurement results are displayed on the display unit 34.

[0095] Therefore, it becomes possible for a doctor to easily and objectively grasp changes in the shape of a specified measurement target, thereby enabling the doctor to easily and objectively grasp the severity and progression of a disease related to the measurement target.

[0096] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the display unit 34 is used as the output unit and information about the shape of the measurement target and the like is displayed on the display unit 34, but, for example, the output unit may be the communication unit 32 and the information about the shape of the measurement target and the like may be output to an external device via the communication unit 32, and the information about the shape of the measurement target may be displayed on the external device. Also, the image processing device 3 may be configured to include a printing unit, and the information about the shape of the measurement target may be output on paper by the printing unit.

[0097] In addition to the above-described embodiment, the present invention can be applied to the following (examples) diseases and their measurements. When the measurement subject is the vertebrae, the degree of slippage (amount of movement, displacement angle) and Meyerding are measured to diagnose cervical instability / spondylolisthesis, the anterior-posterior diameter of the cervical (lumbar) spinal canal is measured to diagnose cervical (lumbar) spinal canal stenosis, and the Cobb angle and triangular Cobb angle are measured to diagnose curvature. When the measurement is of the wrist, it measures the radiolunate angle to diagnose carpal instability, measures the proximal carpal row trajectory to diagnose carpal dislocation, measures the displacement to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, and measures the carpal height ratio to diagnose osteoarthritis. When the measurement target is the ankle, measure anterior translation to diagnose ankle instability, measure tibial angle to diagnose osteoarthritis, measure Boehler angle to diagnose fracture reduction, measure tibiotalar angle to diagnose equinus deformity, measure anterior translation to diagnose ankle instability, measure long arch to diagnose flat feet, measure hallux valgus angle to diagnose hallux valgus, measure talocalcanalicular angle to diagnose flat feet. When the measurement target is the elbow joint, it measures the joint gap (stress image) to diagnose ligament injuries, measures the ulnar groove inclination angle to diagnose (sub)dislocations, measures the Baumann angle to diagnose fracture reduction, measures the joint gap to diagnose ligament injuries. When the measurement is of the knee joint, the Patellofemoral index is measured to diagnose patellar dislocation, the FTA (lateral knee angle) is measured to diagnose osteoarthritis, the Sulcus angle is measured to diagnose (sub)dislocation, and the tibial displacement is measured to diagnose ligament damage. When the measurement target is the hip joint, measure the CE angle to diagnose slipped capital femoral epiphysis (non-concentric), measure the femoral epiphysis-ischium rim distance to diagnose (sub)dislocation, measure the acetabular lateral rim inclination angle to diagnose osteoarthritis of the hip, measure the femoral epiphysis-ischium rim distance to diagnose (sub)dislocation, measure the AHI (acetabular head index) to diagnose acetabular dysplasia. When the measurement subject is the shoulder joint, measure the head descent rate and Arm angle to diagnose an unstable shoulder (non-concentric position), measure the Glenoid tilting angle and joint space to diagnose a (sub)dislocation, measure the GH angle and Scapulothoracic angle to diagnose an unstable shoulder, and measure the Acromiohumeral interval to diagnose a rotator cuff tear.

[0098] Also, for example, in the above description, a hard disk or a non-volatile semiconductor memory is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. Furthermore, a carrier wave can be applied as a medium for providing data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0099] In addition, the detailed configurations and operations of the devices constituting the radiation imaging system may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100 Radiography system 1. Radiation Generator 2. Radiation detector 3. Image Processing Device 31 Control Unit 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Control section 4 Server 41 Database N Communication Network

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image including a plurality of frame images obtained by performing dynamic radiography on a subject; a measurement unit that measures information regarding a shape of a measurement target in at least two or more frame images among the plurality of frame images; an output unit that outputs the result of measurement by the measurement unit; Equipped with the measurement target is a vertebra, The information regarding the shape of the measurement object includes at least one of the length of the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body of the vertebra, the area of ​​the vertebral body, and the angle between the upper and lower sides of the vertebral body.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs information about a change in shape of the measurement target over time.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs information regarding the shape of the measurement target in association with a motion angle of the subject.

4. 4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement target is a bone or a joint.

5. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the shape of the measurement target includes at least one of a length, an area, and an angle that represent the shape.

6. An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information regarding the shape of the measurement object includes information regarding the difference between information regarding the shape of the measurement object in a first frame image of the multiple frame images and information regarding the shape of the measurement object in a second frame image.

7. a determination unit that determines whether or not the measurement object has an abnormality based on information about the shape of the measurement object; 7. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification section that notifies the user when the determination section determines that an abnormality exists.

8. The determination unit further identifies a time when the abnormality occurred or a movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred, The image processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the notification section further notifies a time when the abnormality occurred or a movement angle of the subject when the abnormality occurred.

9. The dynamic image is an image obtained by dynamically photographing the subject while changing the subject's position from a retroflexed position to a forward-flexed position, The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit further outputs a ratio of information relating to the shape of the measurement target in the anteflexion position and in the retroflexion position of the subject.

10. The image processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the output section further outputs a time or a motion angle of the subject at a timing when a rate of change of the front edge of the vertebra is greatest.

11. Computer, an acquisition unit for acquiring a dynamic image consisting of a plurality of frame images obtained by performing dynamic radiography on a subject; a measurement unit that measures information regarding a shape of a measurement target in at least two or more frame images among the plurality of frame images; an output unit that outputs the result of measurement by the measurement unit; Function as a the measurement target is a vertebra, A program in which the information regarding the shape of the measurement object includes at least one of the length of the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body of the vertebra, the area of ​​the vertebral body, and the angle between the upper and lower sides of the vertebral body.

Images