Evaluation of cartilage of the hip using MRI images

摘要

In one general aspect, the invention features an MRI image processing method that includes accessing a first MRI data set including two-dimensional planar MRI images of a first hip of a first patient. Each of the images is positioned with respect to a virtual axis at a different angle so as to distribute the images axially around the virtual axis. The virtual axis is defined as an axis that runs from the fovea through the femoral neck of the femur of the first patient. The method also includes segmenting bone and cartilage surfaces in the first MRI data set.