Determinaci on de la Dimensi on Fractal de la Cadera para Valorar el Grado de Osteoporosis

Abstract

The trabecular bone structure is mainly composed by rods and plates which appear to be randomly arranged. Fractal geometry theory establishes that most of natural phenomena hold an intrinsic order that implies self a nity, evident at various scales of view. The shape of trabecular bone structure is modelled by changes in strains and loads experienced by bones, thus creating a geometric pattern that resembles a fractal with a given fractal dimension. Osteoporosis jeopardizes trabecular structure integrity hence the ability of bone to endure physiological loads to which continually undergoes becomes a ected. Osteoporosis a ects mostly femoral neck and body of vertebras. The double X-Ray absorciometry (DXA), is a highly used diagnostic method to ponder the risk of fracture in osteoporotic subjects due to its low cost compared to other image techniques and the low radiation related to the practice of the test, unfortunately it is associated to a signi cant bias level. It is stated that fractal dimension might have a direct relationship with the integrity of trabecular bone architecture and should be adequate enough to deduct the fractal pattern, so as to detect changes due to the in uence of osteoporosis.