Development and Validation of Radiographic Measurement Templates for Standardized X-ray Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Accurate radiographic measurements are crucial for musculoskeletal diagnosis and surgical planning. However, the absence of standardized scaling markers in many radiographs can lead to measurement errors and variability. Template-based scaling offers a reliable solution when traditional markers are unavailable. This study describes the development of 21 anatomical templates designed to enable accurate radiographic scaling by accounting for magnification effects, providing a standardized measurement method for clinical and research applications.

METHODS

1,050 radiographs from a level 1 trauma center were analyzed to develop templates for 12 anatomical regions across various imaging views. Each template was generated by averaging measurements from 50 images per anatomical site. Magnification correction factors were calculated by determining the measurement discrepancy in radiographs containing objects of known size. The templates were then integrated into the DetroitBonesetter (DBS) software and validated by comparing scaled measurements with reference objects such as implanted plates and screws.

RESULTS

A total of 21 radiographic templates were developed. Each template was corrected for magnification using implanted objects of known size. Validation testing was performed by comparing scaled measurements against these known references, with all templates achieving over 90% accuracy. The highest mean accuracy was 97.42%, and the lowest was 92.86%. The validated templates included the wrist (anteroposterior (AP)/lateral (Lat)), ankle (AP/mortise/Lat), knee (AP/Lat), proximal tibia (AP), tibia (AP/Lat), proximal humerus (AP), humerus (AP/Lat), distal humerus (AP/Lat), shoulder (AP/Lat), distal femur (AP/Lat), elbow (Lat), and olecranon (Lat). The templates were integrated into the DBS software for use in clinical and research settings.

CONCLUSION

The template-based scaling method provides a standardized and magnification-corrected approach to radiographic measurements. These templates enhance a user's ability to make measurements in the absence of scaling markers when involved in orthopedic surgical planning, research, and education.